Caleb Martin emerged as an unlikely Game 7 breakout star Monday night.
The 27-year-old forward led the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals by delivering 26 points and 10 rebounds in a 103-84 win over the Boston Celtics. Fans turned the star-making performance into an indictment of an NBA legend not used to receiving criticism during the playoffs.
On Aug. 7, 2021, the Charlotte Hornets released Martin after two seasons with the team. Fan dug up the team’s old Twitter announcement to pan owner Michael Jordan for a now questionable decision.
“And Jordan’s your GOAT?” a fan asked.
And Jordan’s your GOAT? https://t.co/LOhlQEBYl0
— TrashMuse™ (@trash_muse) May 30, 2023
“MJ has to be the worst owner ever,” another fan claimed.
MJ has to be the worst owner ever https://t.co/YKv9wVFXjB
— Jimmy’s Better (@OwnedbyJimmy) May 30, 2023
“How will Caleb Martin winning an ECF MVP affect Jordan’s legacy,” a fan wondered.
How will Caleb Martin winning an ECF MVP affect Jordan’s legacy https://t.co/znwzGUv3nR
— ✨Katie ✨ (@thelifeof_katew) May 30, 2023
“First Michael Jordan L this deep in the playoffs since 1990,” Action Network’s Brandon Anderson said.
first Michael Jordan L this deep in the playoffs since 1990 https://t.co/aAc85kG7Xp
— Brandon Anderson (@wheatonbrando) May 30, 2023
Martin averaged 5.3 points over 71 career games for the Hornets before getting released. His role and productivity improved in Miami, but nobody had reason to expect his masterful Eastern Conference Finals play.
The undrafted free agent delivered 25 points in a Game 2 win. While the Heat narrowly fell short in Game 6, Martin nearly led a series-clinching effort at home with 21 points and 15 rebounds.
Martin finished the series averaging 19.3 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. He’s a pivotal player for the Eastern Conference champions, who can become the first No. 8 seed to ever win an NBA title.
On the other hand, the Hornets haven’t won a playoff series since 2002. Jordan can use a player like Martin, who will look to make Charlotte regret cutting him even more by helping the Heat upend the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals.
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