The Miami Heat have work before them and though their names are ringing on the trade rumor mill, which means due diligence that must be given in the player acquisitions department, they also should look to their existing roster for improvements.
While the first order of business with some guys is to get them re-signed and back with the team, such as the subject here in Caleb Martin, that should be occurring simultaneously as continued development.
With that, what could Martin stand to most improve on in the offseason? That would be his at the brink offensive decision-making. Though it may sound vague, it’s a fairly direct operational construct.
When you look back at Martin’s year, he improved everywhere.
Caleb Martin had a really good year for the Miami Heat this past season. Though they need to retain him first, this key adjustment would really benefit his game.
He became a better handler, smarter on both sides of the ball, and even improved his three-point shooting ability, shooting 41.3 percent this season on 2.6 attempts per game.
When you look at how he impacts the game tremendously on defense and with his effort play, he can also be pretty lethal on offense when he gets going by using his athleticism and improved shooting.
The only wart to his game would be the fact that he finds himself caught in tricky situations right at the rim on his attacks. Be that in the halfcourt, the break, or semi-transition, Martin has found himself in scenarios where he gets caught trying to pass the ball too late, too early, or when he shouldn’t at all as he approaches the hoop.
With his athleticism and ability to actually finish the plays, he should always be looking to do it himself when he gets that close, however, there will be situations where the smarter play is to give it up. He has to become better at recognizing those scenarios or at the very least, become a better facilitator in those instances to better time his drop-off passes.
Of course and first of all, the Miami Heat have to bring him back. That isn’t a guarantee, as with the free agent market already sizzling over P.J. Tucker, having to retain him may account for the resources need to bring Martin back.
But this is what Martin needs to improve on the most this offseason. Hopefully, it’s to the benefit of the Miami Heat next season.