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Draft Profile: Jarell Martin

Opinions expressed on this page are solely those of the author(s) and don't represent the opinions of the Celtics front office.

NBA Draft Combine Measurements

Pros/Cons

Why You Might Know Him

By Taylor C. Snow

Jarell Martin was one of the few big men in the nation that could contend with Kentucky’s stacked crop of frontcourt players this past season. LSU gave the Wildcats a scare on Feb. 10 when Martin, an All-SEC First Team member, scored 21 points (8-of-11 shooting) and corralled 11 rebounds, but Kentucky edged the Tigers, 71-69, boosting its record to 24-0.

Scouting Report

Many consider Jarell Martin to be a tweener at the forward positions. I look at him and I see a power forward who is capable of filling in at small forward in a pinch. Three things pop off the screen to me when I watch Martin play. First and foremost, the guy can really run the floor, and he loves to run the floor. He’ll find running lanes, and if his guards find him, he’s probably going to finish with a strong bucket. Secondly, he’s very adept at taking the ball off of the dribble for a guy his size. He has incredible feet and a very nice handle with both hands. He’s quick and decisive with his moves, oftentimes clearing his defender with a spin or blow-by. Third, he has great anticipation and plays smart basketball at both ends. He moves well off of the ball on offense and at the other end, he provides solid on-ball and help defense. His defensive anticipation, combined with his elite foot speed, keeps him out of foul trouble. He is very good at mirroring offensive moves and contesting shots without making contact. As with all prospects, there are also some shortcomings to his game. Martin’s wingspan of 6-foot-9 is a major red flag, and his leaping ability doesn’t necessarily make up for his lack of length. This combination is worrisome when it comes to rebounding and challenging shots at the NBA level. His offensive game is also underwhelming at this point of his career. Yes, he’ll finish dunks and occasionally put home a strong finish through contact, but for the most part, he lacks touch inside of 10 feet. Many of his post shots look more like jump-throws than jump-hooks, and he heavily favors finishing with his right hand around the basket. Martin also tends to have his shot blocked or affected around the bucket very regularly. His jumper, which can extend to the college 3-point line, is a bit flat, but it does show promise. He does not rise straight up for his jumpers, instead choosing to fade forward; he lands two to three feet in front of where he took off from on nearly every attempt. All of that being said, Martin still brings a lot to the table. He’s a versatile big man who plays smart and hard basketball, defends well, and can spread the floor with his handle and jumper. If he gains strength (which I believe he will), can refine his offensive game and learn how to handle perimeter play at both ends, he could turn into a solid rotation player in the NBA.

Biography

By Taylor C. Snow

Martin was born on May 24, 1994 in Baton Rouge, La. He attended Madison Prep in his home city. As a senior in 2013, was the recipient of Louisiana’s Farm Bureau/Mr. Basketball award; he averaged 26.3 points, 14.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 4.1 blocks per game, leading Madison to its first state title in program history. During his freshman season at LSU, Martin made 25 starts and tallied 10.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. As a sophomore this past season, he led the Tigers in minutes (35.1) and points (16.9) per game. He ranked third in the SEC in scoring and rebounding (9.2) average. Martin and draft hopeful Jordan Mickey became the first LSU players to corral 300 rebounds since former Celtic Glen Davis did so in 2007. Martin also made 140 free throws during the season; only three other Tigers in the past decade have accomplished that feat and they have all donned green and white (Brandon Bass, Glen Davis and Marcus Thornton). Martin was on fire in the six games leading up to this year’s NCAA Tournament; he averaged 22.0 points and 11.0 rebounds and rarely came off the floor (38.3 minutes per game) over the stretch. His prowess continued during the second round against NC State, as he collected 16 points, 11 rebounds and four assists without ever stepping off the court. However, the Tigers were edged, 66-65, on a last-second jumper. Martin declared for the NBA Draft on March 25.