Jeremiah Martin: ‘I bring a little bit of everything, mainly defense’

Jeremiah Martin, who signed a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, is determined to turn the Nets G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, around and bring back winning to the island. When asked if Long Island has the potential to not only win but make a run for the G League playoffs, Martin believes the team can sneak into the playoffs.

“Of course,” Martin said of his team. “We are just trying to win and hopefully get turned around and sneak into the playoffs.”

Long Island currently sit at 8-16 on the season and have not played well at the Coliseum, winning 3 of their 12 games at home. To the new Nets two-way, Long Island’s record does not define this group of players.

“I just told one of the players that our record does not define our team,” Martin said following Friday’s win. “Our record is bad but I really feel like we are really a way better team than our record is showing so just trying to turn it around and rack up as many wins as I can for this team.”

Martin, who debuted for Long Island in Friday’s win over the Boston Celtics G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, played well on both ends of the floor, especially defensively. He ended his Nets debut scoring 17 points, two rebounds, and three assists in 29 minutes of play off the bench. The Nets two-way felt good in his Net debut and is happy to take down one of the top ranked teams in the East.

“The team did well and we got the win,” Martin said following the win. “First game I felt good. I got the jitters out with a win and we beat a top team in the East so it definitely feels good.”

Undrafted out of Memphis, Martin played on the Heat’s Summer League team and was one of the last players cut in training camp. Miami assigned him to the Sioux Falls Skyforce and the Nets called him up.

The 23-year-old guard is known for his consistent play on both ends of the floor, especially his defense. He is a good defender, who is averaging 1.6 steals per game this season and plays with a special type of energy. He is a vocal leader and can guard multiple positions.

Martin believes his defense is the main area he will make an impact for Long Island ... and maybe get some time with Brooklyn. The Nets two-way vows to bring his defensive energy to every game he plays in and will serve any role Shaun Fein and the coaching staff want him to fill.

“I bring a little bit of everything, mainly defense,” Martin said. “I bring energy and I know I can bring that every game. Most of the time you know your shot is not going to be there every night but your defensive energy has to be there. I feel like that’s one thing I can bring everyday. Just bringing that energy, bringing that defense, and let the offense follow.”

“Bringing whatever the team wants me to do, whether it is on the defensive end or the offensive end and rack up as many wins as we can.”

With winning on his mind and wanting to turn Long Island around, Martin did not have any personal goals set out for the remainder of this season. He is a team player and when it comes to a potential call up under his two-way contract, he wants to take everything one day at a time.

“I am just a team guy,” Martin said. “Just do what I can everyday and take everything one day at a time.”

The 6’2 guard is averaging 29.4 minutes, 18.4 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 22 games this season. Martin has served a bench role for a majority of the season, starting only three of his 22 games this season.

He has yet to make his Nets debut.