Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

The story behind the undrafted players that are fueling the Miami Heat’s run

By Justin Chen

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 29: The Miami Heat pose with the Bob Cousy Trophy after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-84 in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 29: The Miami Heat pose with the Bob Cousy Trophy after defeating the Boston Celtics 103-84 in game seven of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 29, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Caleb Martin (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Caleb Martin (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /

Caleb Martin

Caleb Martin’s story on becoming a rising star for the Heat is something out of a videogame. Ranked as a four-star recruit out of prestigious Oak Hill Academy in high school, Martin played for NC State, where he blossomed his sophomore year, averaging 11.5 points per game as well as 4.7 rebounds. However, it wasn’t until his transfer to Nevada that he showed out. In his final two years of college, he averaged 19.1 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Wolfpack.

After having a successful college career alongside his twin brother Cody Martin, he was undrafted while Cody was taken in the second round to the Charlotte Hornets. The two were able to reunite once again after the Hornets signed Caleb to a two-way contract and spent the majority of the 2019-20 season playing for the Hornets G-League affiliate Greensboro Swarm.

However, his time in Charlotte was coming to an end as he was receiving little playing time for the Hornets and ultimately got cut before the 2021-22 season began. What happened next for Caleb and the Heat is nothing short of extraordinary.

Native Charlotte rapper J. Cole had known Caleb since his NC State days, where the two played in pick-up games. After hearing that Caleb was cut, Cole immediately called Heat assistant coach Caron Butler to tell him about Caleb and to give him an opportunity, knowing his potential. Butler and Cole have known each other since 2010 when Cole name-dropped and shouted out Butler and the two have kept in contact since then and the connection paid off. Butler offered Caleb a workout with the Heat and the two were a perfect pairing.

Now, after rising to be trusted enough with Spoelstra to be a starter and to have consistent minutes, Martin has everyone on notice, especially after his Eastern Conference Finals performance, where he was one vote shy of winning Eastern Conference Finals Most Valuable Player.

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