#Nets’ ‘surprise’ Jeremiah Martin ready to prove he belongs

You won’t catch Jeremiah Martin complaining about the food or amenities inside the NBA bubble.

The Nets’ rookie point guard is thrilled to simply be a part of it. For him, it’s a best-case scenario, the chance to play on the sport’s biggest stage and prove he belongs.

“It’s a great opportunity, something I’ve been waiting on and working for all my life,” the former Memphis star said on a Sunday night Zoom call. “I’m doing something I always wanted to do. … I’m going to play against some great players and great teams. It’s such a great opportunity. I can’t look back.”

So far, the 6-foot-2 point guard is making the most of his chance. Teammates and interim coach Jacque Vaughn have raved about his shot-making ability and compete level. Vaughn has said Martin has been a “surprise,” has been fearless attacking the basket and on Sunday said he likes how inquisitive he is. That’s been one of Martin’s priorities — to soak everything up, learn as much as he can.

“I’ve just been all ears,” he said, “My teammates always come up to tell me the good and the bad things that I need to work on.”

The 24-year-old Martin went undrafted last June after four seasons at Memphis. An overlooked recruit and late-developing prospect, he played for three different coaches at Memphis, yet still developed into an All-AAC first-team performer his senior year. Martin averaged only 2.7 points as a freshman and ended his career with 1,625 points. He’s always had to work for everything.

“Just knowing there’s going to be things that get in your way, you can’t just quit,” Martin said. “You have to stay focused, knowing times will be tough, things may not be on your side, things are stacked against you.”

Despite getting passed over in the draft, he didn’t let it slow him down. He averaged 18.5 points and 5.1 assists in 21 games for G-League Sioux Falls this season and was signed as a two-way player on Jan. 15 by the Nets. He appeared in three games with them, spending most of his time in the G-League. But he’s getting his shot in Orlando, with Spencer Dinwiddie being forced out due to contracting the coronavirus and Kyrie Irving (shoulder) injured.

“If I wasn’t here, I would be wanting to be here,” Martin said. “I got the opportunity to be a part of it, so I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

However, being away from his daughter Journee isn’t easy. He talks with her frequently, though, over the phone. He said he’s doing this for her.

“The ultimate goal is to play basketball, do my job and be able to take care of her,” he said.

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Newcomer Justin Anderson remained in quarantine after the Nets officially signed him on Saturday as a substitute player for the rest of the season. The 6-foot-6 Anderson appeared in three games with the Nets this year and spent time with their G-League affiliate, the Long Island Nets.

“He’s going to give us some versatility,” Vaughn said. “The ability to shoot the basketball, the ability to guard multiple positions, he’s definitely a welcome addition and hopefully we’ll see him next team practice.”

Forward Donta Hall remained in quarantine, according to Vaughn.