Rookie Martin standing out early in camp
Nets interim coach Jacque Vaughn praised Joe Harris’ professionalism and Garrett Temple’s leadership. But if there’s been a pleasant surprise so far during the restart, it might be unheralded rookie point guard Jeremiah Martin.
“Jeremiah’s been a huge addition for us. He’s very quick with the basketball, makes great decisions, very good shooter, too,” Caris LeVert said. “I liked him when he was in college in Memphis. It’s been cool to be on the same team with him and learn some things from him as well.”
Martin, 24, went undrafted last June following four years at Memphis. After averaging 18.5 points and 5.1 assists in 21 games for G-League Sioux Falls this season, he was signed as a twoway player on Jan. 15.
“I’d say Jeremiah Martin has been a surprise for us, his ability to compete. That’s all we ask at this beginning stage, is to compete. Whether that’s knowing the plays, knowing different implementation, or having yourself ready every day,” Vaughn said. “I give him a pat on the back as well.”
➤ Vaughn confirmed Tyler Johnson isinOrlando and ahead of Michael Beasley and Jamal Crawford in his quarantine timeline.
➤ With players now able to wear preapproved messaging on the back of their jerseys, LeVert said he’d don Black Lives Matter on his . ... After five straight days of practice, the Nets will get a well-earned day off Tuesday to decompress as much as recuperate.
➤ Kyrie Irving’s sister Asia designed his new shoe, and they unveiled the Kyrie 6 Nike sneakers together on Instagram Live. It comes in black or purple, Asia picking purple since it “stands for royalty.”
Irving said his shoe honors not only his big sister, but Breonna Taylor and other women. He adds that — while he’s happiest on the court — that he’s not just a basketball player, but an activist.
“Don’t play with me,” Irving said on Instagram Live. “I’m away from my family for seven months out of the year. I’m out there front lines, activism. I’m out there continuing to spread light to Breonna Taylor and #SayHerName and all of our women. This is the life that encompasses a lot more than just shooting a damn basketball.”