The Nets started their preseason slate Saturday with a numbers crunch and crowded roster.
They’ll end it weeks from now with a fight right up to Opening Night for the final spot of the team.
That fight may include Tyrese Martin.
Nets players have almost universally offered up unbidden praise for Martin, gushing over his play in offseason runs and training camp practices.
And Brooklyn has held him up as an exmaple to its youngsters of how to carry themselves, how to fight for their jobs.
But martin knows his own job is nowhere near safe. Not yet.
“I’d never say I’m actually on a solid footing, you know?” said Martin, on a nonguaranteed $2.2 million deal. “Even when things are guaranteed, stuff’s still not guaranteed, especially in this business. So that’s just been my mindset all the way through.
“I feel like the chance that I was given I showed what I’m able to do to them and my teammates,” said martin, who scored three points and grabbed three rebounds in 16 minutes in the Nets’ 123-88 blowout win over Hapoel Jerusalem.So, being consistent and trusting my work every opportunity that I get, I feel like it’s paid off.”
It’s gotten him near-universal praise from teammates and coaches for his summer work. But will that be enough?
Tyrese Martin, who scored three points, looks to make a play during the Nets’ 123-88 blowout win over Hapoel Jerusalem on Oct. 4, 2025.
The Nets have 21 players in camp, 15 already on guaranteed contracts. They must get down to 15 standard deals and three two-ways by the start of the season.
Waiving the three players on partial or nonguaranteed deals – Jalen Wilson, Drew Timme and Martin – is the path of least resistance. But Martin is resisting.
Since being a second-round pick in 2022,Martin came into every offseason having to play in Summer League and toil in the
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Tyrese Martin Seizes Opportunity with Nets After Rocky Start
NEW YORK – Tyrese Martin is making the most of his chance with the Brooklyn Nets. After a tumultuous start to the season that included being waived by the Atlanta Hawks and a brief stint in the G League, Martin is now carving out a role for himself in Brooklyn.
The 24-year-old shooting guard signed a two-way contract with the Nets on September 26th and has quickly impressed coaches and teammates with his scoring ability and defensive effort. He showcased his potential in a recent dominant 135-103 victory over Hapoel Jerusalem, scoring 16 points in just 18 minutes off the bench.
“He’s been great,” Nets coach Kevin Ollie said after the game. “He’s a competitor. He wants to get better.He’s listening,he’s learning,and he’s making plays.”
Martin’s journey hasn’t been easy. Drafted 51st overall in 2022 by the Golden State Warriors before being traded to Atlanta, he struggled to find consistent playing time in the NBA. His release by the Hawks was a setback, but he used the experience as motivation.
“It was tough, but I just kept working,” Martin explained. “I knew I had the ability to play in this league, and I just had to wait for the right opportunity.”
That opportunity came with the Nets,who are looking for players to step up and contribute as they navigate the early part of the season. Martin’s performance against Hapoel Jerusalem was a clear indication of his potential. He shot 6-of-9 from the field, including 4-of-6 from three-point range, demonstrating his ability to score from both inside and outside.
While it’s still early, Martin is determined to prove himself and solidify his place in the Nets’ rotation. He understands that every game is an audition and is committed to making the most of every minute he’s given.
“I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help the team win,” martin said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
