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Brooklyn’s Next Nets: Tyrese Martin

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Welcome back to Brooklyn’s Next Nets, our mini-series diving into the Nets’ young talent as we hit the so-called second half of the 2024-25 season—though with just 28 games left post-All-Star break, that label feels a stretch.

We’re spotlighting Sean Marks’ preseason mission to unearth the “next Nets,” those under-the-radar players who might echo the success of past gems like Joe Harris or Spencer Dinwiddie.

Today, it’s all about Tyrese Martin, who just earned a well-deserved upgrade from a two-way deal to a standard, multi-year NBA contract with Brooklyn.

The Nets made it official on Wednesday, rewarding Martin’s hard work with a deal that might include a team option or partial guarantees details are still under wraps. Head coach Jordi Fernandez couldn’t be prouder.

“Nobody deserves it more than him,” he said. “He’s worked the whole summer. He’s about what we’re trying to build here. He helps us build the culture.” Martin’s no slouch either. He’s logged the ninth-most minutes on the team this season, activated for 50 games and suiting up for 36.

That’s no coincidence two-way players max out at 50 active NBA games, so this switch was key to keeping him in the mix.

Fernandez isn’t looking for a drastic change. “I mean, he’s gotta continue to do what he’s doing,” he said. “That’s why he’s earned what he’s earned, we don’t need to see anything completely different.

It’s just keep working, and keep working along the lines that we established with his agreement.” Martin’s journey kicked into gear at the 2024 Las Vegas Summer League, where he turned heads and snagged that initial two-way contract.

He’s since delivered, with a standout 30-point outburst against the Phoenix Suns on the road, carrying a shorthanded Nets squad to victory.

Standing at about 6’5”, Martin’s got the classic shooting guard frame, which means his three-point shot needs to pop. His career numbers hover just below 33% from deep 33.8% on 160 tries with Brooklyn this year so it’s not his forte yet.

Still, there’s a Tyler Johnson vibe to him; his willingness to take tough, on-the-move threes tricks defenders into respecting his range more than the stats suggest. He’s not a high-flyer, but Martin’s a steady driver, going an impressive 25-of-30 at the rim this season per Basketball Reference.

He’s also flashed smart passing out of pick-and-rolls, reading defenses like a pro, even if it’s mostly structured plays.

The catch? His shooting dips into the low-30s everywhere else on the court. For Martin to stick next season, he’ll need to boost that outside shot or ramp up his drives. Three-point shooting remains the name of the game. But there’s more to like.

Like Tosan Evbuomwan from our series, Martin’s got rare strength for his size broad shoulders, sturdy legs, and a knack for rebounding. He grabs 15.9% of available defensive boards, ranking in the 97th percentile among wings, per Cleaning the Glass, trailing only rebounding machines like Josh Hart and John Konchar.

Defensively, though, he’s quieter. Lacking quickness or standout length, Martin hustles but doesn’t rack up steals or blocks. So, what’s his pitch as an NBA asset? At nearly 26 born just days after Marvin Bagley he’s a known quantity physically.

The Nets hope he can nudge his three-point mark to 36-37% by next year, ideally on simpler catch-and-shoot looks. Anything less risks him becoming a liability at his height, though his rebounding and drives help offset that.

For now, Martin’s a solid piece for Brooklyn a small scouting win. Turning him into a playoff team’s 10th man would be huge. Anything more? That starts now.

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Washington Wizards Risk Sabotaging Their Offseason with Untimely Wins

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Washington Wizards Risk Sabotaging Their Offseason with Untimely Wins

The Washington Wizards are heading into one of their most crucial offseasons in recent memory as they continue their rebuild from the ground up.

However, their recent winning streak could jeopardize their long-term future.

Lack of a True Franchise Cornerstone

At the heart of the Wizards’ struggles is the absence of a true franchise player to build around.

Last year, they selected Alex Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick, hoping he would become a key piece for the future.

Unfortunately, Sarr has yet to meet expectations, struggling in Summer League and failing to capitalize on his strengths during his rookie season.

While it’s too early to completely write him off, there are growing concerns that Washington may have drafted a role player rather than a star.

Despite this, the basketball gods have seemingly given Washington another chance. They currently hold the worst record in the NBA, putting them in prime position to land the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft.

However, if they aren’t careful, they could lose their grip on the top selection.

Winning at the Wrong Time

While winning is always enjoyable, the Wizards are picking the worst possible time to go on a hot streak.

They’ve gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, including wins against the Utah Jazz and Detroit Pistons two teams also in contention for the top pick.

With highly-touted prospects like Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey available, and the possibility of Cooper Flagg declaring, securing the No. 1 pick should be Washington’s priority.

However, their recent victories have tightened the race for the league’s worst record.

The Utah Jazz, now just half a game behind Washington, could leapfrog them in the standings.

If Utah were to land the top pick, the prospect of playing for Danny Ainge a Boston Celtics legend and respected executive might entice Flagg to declare, potentially costing Washington a generational talent.

A Chance to Correct Course

As the regular season winds down, the Wizards must decide whether they are truly committed to the rebuild.

Winning meaningless games now could derail their entire offseason strategy before it even begins.

They have a chance to get back on track with an upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets a team that will likely expose their flaws. If Washington is serious about its future, they must prioritize draft positioning over short-term success.

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Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Gives Blunt Assessment of Nikola Jokic’s MVP Case

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Nuggets Coach Michael Malone Gives Blunt Assessment of Nikola Jokic's MVP Case

The Denver Nuggets secured a crucial road victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night in a high-stakes battle featuring two of the NBA’s top MVP contenders.

Nikola Jokic once again showcased his dominance, delivering an effortless yet staggering 35-point, 18-rebound, and eight-assist performance to outduel Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Following the game, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn’t hold back in making his case for Jokic in the MVP conversation.

“If you didn’t know that Nikola won three MVPs and I put Player A and Player B on paper, and you had no idea that the guy that’s averaging a triple-double, the guy who’s top-three in the three major statistical categories things that no one’s ever done he wins the MVP 10 times out of 10,” Malone said.

Then, with added emphasis, he continued: “And if you don’t think so, then I think you guys are all full of s—.”

Despite Jokic’s brilliance, Gilgeous-Alexander remains the frontrunner for this year’s MVP award.

However, Malone was quick to praise the Thunder star, acknowledging his greatness while also standing firmly behind his own player.

With a significant portion of the season still to play, Jokic and the Nuggets have a chance to maintain their momentum.

If they continue their red-hot form, voters may reconsider and ultimately decide that the Serbian big man deserves a fourth MVP instead of crowning a new face.

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Wizards Rookie Matches Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic With NBA Milestone

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Wizards Rookie Matches Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic With NBA Milestone

Washington Wizards’ rookie Carlton “Bub” Carrington has etched his name into NBA history, joining an exclusive club alongside legends Kobe Bryant and Luka Doncic.

In Monday’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Carrington became just the third player in league history to record over 250 assists and 100 three-pointers before turning 20 years old.

Despite the Wizards’ 104-119 loss in Toronto, the 19-year-old added to his impressive resume by dishing out five assists and knocking down a three-pointer in 26 minutes of action.

His latest feat not only places him in elite company with Bryant and Doncic but also cements his place in Wizards history. Carrington is now the second-fastest rookie in franchise history to reach 100 three-pointers, achieving the milestone in 62 games.

The only player to do it faster? Bradley Beal, who hit the mark in 60 games during the 2012-13 season.

Carrington was originally selected 14th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024 NBA Draft before being traded to Washington, along with Malcolm Brogdon, in exchange for Deni Avdija. Since joining the Wizards, he has steadily carved out a key role on the team.

So far this season, Carrington has played in 62 games, starting in 42 of them. He is averaging 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists across 29.3 minutes per game, while shooting 40.3% from the field and 34.7% from beyond the arc.

For a young player still finding his footing in the league, Carrington’s rapid rise and record-breaking performances suggest a bright future ahead in Washington.

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