Caleb Martin Bio
Caleb Martin (born September 28, 1995) is an American professional basketball player who currently serves as a small forward for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6-foot-5-inch forward has built a reputation as a versatile two-way player during his NBA career, which began after going undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft. Martin played college basketball for both the NC State Wolfpack and the Nevada Wolf Pack before launching his professional career. He is the identical twin brother of NBA player Cody Martin, and the two have shared a basketball journey from their high school days in North Carolina through their professional careers. During his time with the Miami Heat, Martin played a crucial role in helping the franchise reach the 2023 NBA Finals, establishing himself as a reliable contributor on both ends of the court.
Early Life and Background
Caleb Martin was born on September 28, 1995, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He grew up in Mocksville, North Carolina, where he attended Davie County High School for three seasons before transferring to Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia. Oak Hill Academy is widely recognized as one of the premier high school basketball programs in the United States, and playing there helped Martin develop his skills against top competition nationwide. During his high school career, Martin played alongside his twin brother Cody Martin, with the two forming a formidable duo on the court. Martin also played football during his freshman year of high school before focusing exclusively on basketball. The Martin twins gained significant attention from college programs, ultimately committing to North Carolina State University to play for coach Mark Gottfried.
Path to Basketball
At NC State, Martin played two seasons for the Wolfpack from 2014 to 2016. During his sophomore season, he averaged 11.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute immediately at the collegiate level. Following his sophomore year, Martin and his brother made the decision to transfer to the University of Nevada to play for coach Eric Musselman. Due to NCAA transfer rules, Martin was required to sit out the 2016-17 season before becoming eligible to play. Upon his return, Martin emerged as one of the top players in the Mountain West Conference, averaging 18.9 points per game during his junior season. He was named Mountain West Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year by the league’s coaches, while also earning First-team All-Mountain West honors. Martin led Nevada to a regular season conference championship and a Top 25 national ranking, and he and his brother guided the team to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.
Caleb Martin Career
Charlotte Hornets (2019–2021)
After going undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, Martin signed with the Charlotte Hornets on July 31, 2019. He joined his brother Cody, who was selected in the second round of the same draft. On October 19, 2019, the Hornets converted Martin’s contract into a two-way deal, though later that same day he agreed to a multi-year standard contract. Martin made his NBA debut on October 25, 2019, recording four points, two rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. During his rookie season, he was assigned to the Greensboro Swarm, Charlotte’s NBA G League affiliate. On March 9, 2020, Martin scored a season-high 23 points in a double-overtime loss to the Atlanta Hawks. During his second season with the Hornets, Martin continued to develop his game, recording a season-high 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 13, 2021. The Hornets waived Martin on August 7, 2021.
Miami Heat Breakthrough (2021–2024)
Martin signed with the Miami Heat on September 14, 2021, joining the team on a two-way contract that allowed him to split time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce. He made his Heat debut on October 21, 2021, contributing five points and two steals in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks. On December 8, 2021, Martin scored a career-high 28 points in a victory against the Bucks, showcasing his offensive capabilities. On February 15, 2022, the Heat converted his contract to a standard deal, solidifying his place on the roster. Martin made his playoff debut on April 17, 2022, contributing to the Heat’s first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks. Miami advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals but were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in seven games. On July 6, 2022, Martin signed a three-year, $20 million contract extension with the Heat, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his abilities. During the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Martin delivered a standout performance in the first round, helping the eighth-seeded Heat upset the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks by averaging 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. His most memorable performance came in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics, where he scored 25 points in Game 2 and followed with 26 points and 10 rebounds in Game 7, helping Miami advance to the NBA Finals. Martin averaged 19.3 points and 6.4 rebounds during the conference finals while shooting 60.2 percent from the field and 48.9 percent from three-point range. The Heat ultimately lost the NBA Finals to the Denver Nuggets in five games, with Martin averaging 7.4 points in the series.
Philadelphia 76ers (2024–2025)
On July 6, 2024, Martin signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a multi-year contract, joining a roster built around star center Joel Embiid. The move represented a new chapter in Martin’s career as he sought to contribute to a franchise with championship aspirations. Martin’s versatility and two-way abilities were expected to provide the 76ers with depth at the small forward position.
Dallas Mavericks Era (2025–Present)
On February 4, 2025, Martin was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Quentin Grimes and a 2025 second-round draft pick. The trade brought Martin to a Mavericks team that had established itself as a legitimate Western Conference contender with Luka Dončić leading the way. Martin joined the Mavericks mid-season and looked to contribute to their pursuit of a deep playoff run.
Playing Style and Strengths
Martin is known as a versatile small forward who contributes effectively on both ends of the court. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 205 pounds, he possesses the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions. Offensively, Martin has shown the ability to score efficiently from mid-range and beyond the arc, as demonstrated by his impressive shooting percentages during the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. His basketball IQ and court awareness allow him to make smart decisions with the ball, while his rebounding instincts help his team secure extra possessions. Martin’s ability to impact games without requiring a high volume of shots makes him a valuable complementary piece for any roster.
Notable Events and Milestones
Martin’s most significant career milestone came during the 2023 NBA Playoffs with the Miami Heat. His clutch performances against the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals, including a 26-point, 10-rebound effort in Game 7, cemented his reputation as a player who rises to the occasion in high-pressure moments. Martin came remarkably close to earning Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors, falling just one vote short of teammate Jimmy Butler. His journey from an undrafted player to a key contributor on a Finals team represents one of the more compelling career arcs in recent NBA history.
Caleb Martin Career Highlights
Throughout his professional career, Martin has accumulated notable achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His collegiate career at Nevada remains his most decorated, having earned Mountain West Player of the Year honors in 2018. He was a two-time First-team All-Mountain West selection and earned Mountain West Newcomer of the Year honors in his first season with the Wolf Pack.
NBA Career Highlights
At the NBA level, Martin’s most significant accomplishment came during the 2023 season when he helped lead the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals. His Eastern Conference Finals performance, where he averaged 19.3 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting over 60 percent from the field, stands as the peak of his professional career. Martin’s career-high of 28 points came during the 2021-22 season with Miami against the Milwaukee Bucks. His consistent contributions throughout his career have made him a valued rotation player in the NBA.
College Career Statistics and Achievements
Martin’s college career spanned five seasons between NC State and Nevada, though one season was lost to transfer rules. At Nevada, he truly flourished, averaging 18.9 points per game during his junior season and 19.2 points per game as a senior. His leadership helped Nevada achieve a 29-5 record during his senior season, and he guided the team to NCAA Tournament appearances in both of his playing seasons with the Wolf Pack.
Caleb Martin Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Caleb Martin is the identical twin brother of Cody Martin, making them a rare example of twins both playing in the NBA. The Martin twins grew up together in Mocksville, North Carolina, and their shared passion for basketball shaped both of their career paths. From playing together at Davie County High School to Oak Hill Academy and later facing each other as professionals in the NBA, the Martin brothers have maintained a close relationship throughout their basketball journeys. Their unique connection has been a defining aspect of both players’ careers, with each supporting the other throughout the ups and downs of professional basketball.
Personal Life
Despite their shared profession, Caleb and Cody Martin have maintained relatively private personal lives away from basketball. Both twins pursued college basketball together before their paths diverged when Caleb joined the Miami Heat while Cody remained with the Charlotte Hornets. The Martin brothers have spoken publicly about the special bond they share, having experienced the game together from childhood through their professional careers. As identical twins, they have developed an intuitive understanding of each other’s games that has benefited both players throughout their careers.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NBA season marked a new chapter for Martin following his mid-season trade to the Dallas Mavericks. Joining a team anchored by Luka Dončić, Martin brought his two-way versatility and playoff experience to a Mavericks squad with championship aspirations. The trade reunite Martin with Quentin Grimes, who went to Philadelphia in the deal. Martin’s ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions made him a valuable addition to Dallas’s rotation. As the season progressed, Martin looked to carve out a consistent role with his new team while helping the Mavericks compete for positioning in the competitive Western Conference. His experience from the 2023 Finals run provided Dallas with a player who understood what it takes to perform on the league’s biggest stage.