Just when things looked like they may be picking up for the Philadelphia 76ers, the injury bug bit once again. On Christmas Eve afternoon, the Sixers announced that forward KJ Martin had sustained a stress fracture in his left foot against the San Antonio Spurs and that he will miss some time and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, according to the team.
The news comes at a frustrating time for everyone from the Sixers to their fans, and none more so than Martin himself, who has recently seen an increase in both his role and production, which contributed to the Sixers’ recent run of success.
Philadelphia has won seven of their last ten games. A baseline of success to some, for a Sixers team that began the season 3-14, this recent run is an unquestionable success. While he’s not the first name fans may think of, KJ Martin has been integral to this effort.
Over those last 10 games, Martin has averaged 9.3 points and 3.9 rebounds on a remarkably efficient 63.9% from the field, 37.5% from deep, and 81.8% from the free throw line. It’s not just his surface-level stats that have helped the team see success, though.
Martin’s spot in the offense has allowed Philadelphia to open the playbook. He not only spaces and runs the floor, but Martin can also play in and out of the Dunker’s spot in the half-court. That level of versatility goes a long way for a team in need like the Sixers. Philadelphia’s offensive efficiency has seen a notable boost with Martin on the floor, increasing their offensive rating from 104.48 without Martin to 115.97 with him on the court.
Defensively, Martin has added a much-needed level of capable play on the wing. The Sixers have not just struggled with an absence of defenders due to injury but also quality defensive play early in the season. As the year has gone on, chemistry has increased, and the rotation has become more consistent. Among all the early offseason changes, Martin has found a clear role in the rotation.
With Martin on the court, the Sixers have both an improved defensive rating and have seen a decrease in opponent shooting, particularly from deep. Opponents shoot 34.6% from deep against the Sixers with Martin in the lineup compared to 36.2% without him.
Martin’s budding on-court relationship with Tyrese Maxey is also note-worthy. In 301 minutes with both Maxey and Martin on the court, the Sixers boast an offensive rating of 119.54 and a defensive rating of 110.55, a marketable improvement compared to just Maxey on the floor, where they have an offensive rating of just 105.41 and a defensive rating of 115.79.
It’s clear Martin will be missed. As the Sixers prepare for a tough stretch of their schedule, which includes the Celtics in Boston on Christmas Day and a Western Conference road trip, this is nearly as opportune a time as any.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats are courtesy of NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass, or Basketball Reference.
