Caleb Martin's perimeter defense gives him an edge to crack Mavericks' rotation

While the Dallas Mavericks significantly improved their wing depth, 3-point shooting, and young core this offseason, their perimeter defense still needs much improvement. This means that 30-year-old small forward Caleb Martin will likely have a chance to crack the team's rotation.

Caleb Martin's time in Dallas hasn't always been pretty

If Dallas had properly addressed their lack of point-of-attack defense, this is likely an opportunity that he wouldn't have had as he enters his eighth season in the NBA. Martin has shot 32.9 percent from three as a Maverick, his confidence has wavered, and injuries have kept him from building momentum toward securing a consistent role.

This is not a good combination of things for a player who still has two years remaining on his contract.

Martin has had his moments offensively for Dallas, as he shot 48.3 percent from three in January and February last season, but his offensive game often varied too much for Jason Kidd to trust him. The team's offense was already struggling enough, and playing Martin wasn't necessarily a remedy for this.

Martin is a strong defender

Despite Martin's struggles over his first season and a half as a Maverick, his defense has been excellent. He can effectively defend some of the best guards and wings in the NBA due to his physicality, length, versatility, and lateral quickness, and Dallas is going to need strong defense from him next season.

Why the Mavericks need Martin's defense

When looking at the Mavs' backcourt, specifically the shooting guard position, it's not filled with strong defenders. Martin, John Poulakidas, Max Christie, Sergio De Larrea, Naji Marshall, and Marcus Sasser will likely all spend time at shooting guard next season, and apart from Christie and Marshall, the team is limited in players who can be trusted to defend All-Star-level guards.

Dallas consistently got fried by opposing star guards last season. Jamal Murray, Stephon Castle, Darius Garland, James Harden, and Anthony Edwards all had 40+ points against them, and they need a solution for this weakness — especially as Kyrie Irving returns from the ACL tear that kept him out for all of last season.

Irving will play point guard, and since he isn't known for his defense and is coming off a serious injury, Dallas needs someone alongside him who can take on the toughest defensive assignment in the backcourt.

Of any of the aforementioned guards/wings, Martin is the best choice here defensively. He can effectively guard one through four, doesn't back down from anyone, and fully embraces the role of being Dallas' defensive stopper. Martin takes pride in locking down his defensive assignment, and this is the exact mindset they need from him as the Dusty May era begins.

How Martin can crack Dusty May's rotation

Training camp and preseason will be a great indicator of where Martin will be in the rotation, and if May wants the team's perimeter defense to take a step in the right direction, he could see some playing time. His ability to play airtight defense on the perimeter at all times and pester his opponent is top-notch, and his expertise in this area gives him an edge to play.

Dallas is going to need all of the perimeter defense they can get alongside Irving, and while Martin likely won't be a starter, May should certainly consider utilizing him when they need a stop or the opposing star is on a heater.

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