Jarell Martin’s 2017 season began with a lot of adversity and no guarantees, but that didn’t stop him from showing why he is in Memphis.
It’s media day, and reporters are sitting in the media room waiting on each player to walk in and spend their 10 minutes answering the same questions. For Jarell Martin, it was a nightmare of a day. “There is a source saying that once the preseason is over, the Memphis Grizzlies are going to waive you,” one of the reporters asked.
That’s how Martin found out he was promised a jersey for the preseason, but beyond that, wasn’t guaranteed anything. Martin looked like he saw a ghost, but responded in the best way possible. He then exited media day with something to prove.
He showed us more than we could’ve asked for in those five preseason games, forcing the team to pass up on another first-round pick, Wade Baldwin.
Martin made the team, and everyone seemed shocked. Why though? He’s one of the only draft picks in years for the Memphis Grizzlies that has shown consistent progression. So why be shocked? The only answer is that these fans, and the franchise fell in love with JaMychal Green too soon.
No knock on Green, but Martin just has the higher ceiling in this league and with this franchise. Several plays last game had me wondering why the fans think JaMychal is better.
Jarell took Steven Adams off the dribble for a sweet mid-range jump shot. Then, Marc Gasol threw a beautiful outlet pass to Martin who beat the entire Thunder defense down the floor for an athletic and-one.
He does more than Green, and in the future, he will have the better impact.
What makes him the X-Factor
Jarell Martin has better ball control and is more athletic than Green. In addition, he’s working and improving each game defensively. Progression is something that has defined his career so far. Defense has been his only real weakness, but he is improving every game.
Cam Rose, and Anthony Sain said it best before the season on their podcast “The Outsiders.” “He can handle the ball better, shoot the ball better, and take guys off the dribble. He has the potential to guard three positions.” Martin was going to be the starting forward alongside Gasol if Green did not re-sign, but he did.
Due to injuries, Martin has shown his worth. In addition, the coaches are putting him at the three for his positive impact on the court.
I don’t know what is going to happen with Green this off-season. I do know the Grizzlies have a well-groomed young group of guys — led by Martin –waiting to grow into their roles.
From a foot injury in his first season, to a lack of opportunity in his second season, and a threat of getting cut earlier his year, Martin has put it all out there for Memphis, never once shying away from the moment.