Atlanta Hawks report card: Cartier Martin

The Atlanta Hawks were ousted in the first round by the top-seeded Indiana Pacers. After a fascinating seven-round battle with the top seed, there have been arguments back and forth on whether it was a successful 2013-2014 campaign for the Atlanta Hawks; some say they had overachieved, some say they underachieved. Over the next couple weeks, we will break down the Hawks season and we will dish out grades for each of the Hawks players. Who played well, who was a disappointment, who will be back next year? We will dish out everything you want to hear about the Hawks past season, and what is to come ahead.

First, some quick requirements. We will only feature players that played in at least 10 games with the Hawks this season, so sorry Jeremy Tyler, James Nunnally, and Antawn Jamison; you were all part of the exciting journey in some capacity, but that is all the pub you will get in our season recaps.

Being evaluated today is Hawks swingman, Cartier Martin.

Carter Martin was waived by the Hawks early in the season, and then proceeded to sign four separate 10-day contracts, two with the Chicago Bulls and two with the Atlanta Hawks before signing a contract for the remainder of the Hawks on February 21st.

Shining Moment: Martin book-ended his season with highlight performances. In his first appearance with the Hawks on November 30th, Martin scored 17 points in just 16 minutes on 4-8 shooting from the field, including 3 three-pointers and 6-6 from the free throw line. In Atlanta’s final regular season game of the year, Martin scored 14 points on 5-7 shooting while adding six rebounds in 24 minutes.

Letter Grade: C+: Martin seemed to make good use of his opportunities; the 29-year-old played in 53 games with the Hawks and scored in double figures 13 times. On the season, Martin would average 5.3 points per game and 2 rebounds per game. In the midst of the Hawks downturn mid-season, Martin seemed to get the short-end of the stick, and was dressing for the Bulls while the Hawks really could have used a healthy body. However, Cartier was rewarded when he signed on for the rest of the season, and his playing time was increased down the stretch. Martin seemed to do everything the Hawks asked of him, and without being exactly near the situation, it seemed as if he kept a great attitude despite the fact that he had the most interesting route into the rotation than any other Hawk this season.

2014-2015 season outlook: If the Hawks brought Martin back for a training camp invite or signed him to the minimum contract offer as he was offered last year, I dont think anyone would feel badly about that. Early on, it was a numbers game for Martin and he ended up on the outside looking in, but as the injuries piled up, Martin received more opportunities and he was quite serviceable in those opportunities. Martin also showed an ability to defend and hit the occasional open three-pointer. If the Hawks do not bring back Martin, I would expect him to be a an NBA team somewhere, and that is an indication of his solid play.