Caleb Martin Might Finally Be Finding His Groove in Dallas
After 50 games in a Mavericks uniform, Caleb Martin is finally showing signs of life - and it couldn’t be happening at a better time for Dallas.
Through his first 48 games with the Mavs, Martin had yet to crack double digits in scoring. But over the last two nights at American Airlines Center, something shifted.
Martin dropped 15 points in one game, followed by 14 the next, marking his first back-to-back double-digit scoring performances as a Maverick. And while two games don't make a season, they do raise a compelling question: is Caleb Martin finally turning the corner?
Let’s not sugarcoat it - Martin’s offensive production this year has been underwhelming, especially when you factor in the $9.5 million he’s set to earn this season and the roughly $19 million owed over the next two if he picks up his player option in 2027-28. That kind of contract, paired with the lack of impact, had him trending toward the “bad deal” category.
But the last 52 minutes he’s logged on the floor? That’s been a different story.
In those two games, Martin has totaled 29 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, and six steals - all while shooting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. That’s a massive jump, especially considering he came into Thursday night shooting under 17% from three. The offensive spark has not only helped his confidence but also given head coach Jason Kidd a reason to lean on him more, particularly for his perimeter defense and rebounding from the wing.
Martin’s increased activity on both ends of the floor has been hard to miss. He’s flying around in transition, attacking the rim with purpose, and showing the kind of energy Dallas hoped they were getting when they brought him in. Teammate Naji Marshall even gave him a shoutout recently, crediting Martin for pushing through adversity - and that may be more than just locker-room talk.
Remember, Martin was dealing with a hip strain when he first arrived in Dallas last season, on top of a shoulder issue that had already been bothering him. Those aren’t small injuries for a player who relies on rhythm and mechanics, especially when it comes to shooting.
It’s possible that those nagging injuries played a bigger role in his early struggles than we realized. Now, with his body closer to full strength, his jumper is starting to look smoother, and his all-around game is finally catching up.
The Mavericks still face an uphill battle if they hope to move Martin before the February 5 trade deadline. Unless he keeps this level of play going for another few weeks, his value likely remains tied to being part of a larger deal. But even if a trade doesn’t materialize, this resurgence is a win for Dallas - especially with the roster banged up and in need of reliable minutes from the bench.
Martin still has more to prove. Two games don’t erase months of inconsistency. But if he can maintain even 60-70% of this recent form down the stretch, he’s no longer just a contract to move - he could be a valuable piece for the Mavericks, either as a trade chip this summer or as a veteran contributor through the next two seasons.
For now, Martin’s back in the rotation and making the most of it. And in a season where Dallas has been searching for answers on the wing, that’s a development worth watching.