Mar 10, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kevin Martin (23) handles the ball against Boston Celtics guard Jason Terry (4) during the second half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
10. Kevin Martin
2012-2013 averages: 14.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.3 apg
Efficiency, thy name is Kevin Martin.
Martin’s minutes are down to just 28 per game this season due to him taking the role of 6th man from James Harden (who was sent to Houston in the same deal that brought Martin to Oklahoma City). When he’s in the game though, he does what he’s asked — and that is to score and do it efficiently. He really does carry that bench unit. According to nbawowy.com, in the 335 minutes Martin’s been on the floor without either Durant or Westbrook, he’s posted a TS% of 62.2%. That number is very Harden-esque.
Martin has an unorthodox shot and because of that is extremely adept at drawing fouls. When he gets to the line he converts at a very high rate of just under 90%. He doesn’t offer much in the passing department, but that isn’t the main part of his role on this team.
Defense is where Martin is a problem. The Thunder’s defensive rating is 2.6 points per 100 possessions higher with him on the court than it is with him off. Though he’s been better this year, Martin is prone to miss rotations. He’s been helped by having solid defensive presences such as Serge Ibaka and Nick Collison behind him.