Sixers Make Celtic’s advantage of shopping C’s killer to Western Conference

Boston Celtics collected an unintended mini-victory two days before the NBA trading deadline after the Philadelphia 76ers and Dallas Mavericks entered into an appointment.

Philadelphia acted forward Caleb Martin, who has earned a reputation for a Celtics Killer over the past few years, to Dallas in exchange for Guard Quentin Grimes and another round in 2025, Per Espns Shams Charania. Mavericks improved their depth and added a proven playoff artist who was able to give head coach Jason Kidd with valuable minutes behind Kyrie Irving-Anthony Davis Tandem.

Martin average 9.1 points4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 43.5% from the field and 37.9% from 3-point territory with Philadelphia. The 29-year-old also average a career-best 1.1 stealing and playing a career high 30.4 minutes, serving a dominant starter’s role for Nick Nurs’s Sixers.

When Christmas Day arrived and Philadelphia visited Boston a holiday visit to TD Garden, six-year-old veteran Celtics gave a rude reminder.

Martin scored 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the floor, knocked down 7-of-9 triangles and helped Joel Embiid and Paul George outskirts Boston with a 118-114 victory. It marked Martin’s season high scoring sum, and ever since December 25, Martin has not been able to eclipse the 23-point performance.

It was not a historic, record setting that showed any stretch from Martin, but it solidified what he’s been in Celtics ever since Miami Heat signed him for a two-way contract three years ago and let NC State Product Tage Take off.

Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra was highly dependent on Martin, who exemplified the identity of the underdog heat. Martin played his role behind starters Jimmy Bulter, Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, waiting for the moment to shine every time Spoelstra gave him the nod.

In the 2023 Eastern Conference final against Celtics, this opportunity presented itself.

Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and then first -year head coach Joe Mazzulla felt brown by playoff Martin’s full effect. Martin average 19.3 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting an unreal 60.2% off the field and 48.9% from three, giving birth to the title “Celtics Killer” and making it deserves.

Martin scored 26 points -Hans playoff career high at the time-Under Miamis Do-Or-Die Game 7 match in Boston. By utilizing Mazzulla’s inexperience, Martin shot 11-of-16 off the floor and grabbed 10 rebounds to prevent Celtics from securing a place in the NBA final for the second time in three years.

This series called on majority owner Wyc Grousbeck to order president of basketball operations Brad Stevens to transform the guard schedule, regardless of cost. From there, Kristaps Porzingis and Jue Holiday were welcome with open arms, Mazzulla improved coaching staff, and Celtics marched their way to Banner 18.

Now, in the midst of the team’s title defense matches to restore last season’s identity and say goodbye to Martin gives a time to be grateful for.

No. 11-seed Sixers is unlikely to undergo an unforeseen post-all-star break race to reach the playoff battle, but at least no current conference enemies will add Martin in the midst of their respective title persecution.