The Brooklyn Nets made a slew of roster moves in September in preparation for the team's training camp that starts on Oct. 1. However, the Nets already had several other promising young players, one of which is two-way guard Jaylen Martin. Martin will be on Brooklyn's training camp roster, and he hopes to make sizeable improvements with the team in 2024-25.
In February 2024, the Nets officially signed Martin to a two-way contract. Before then, Martin played for the New York Knicks' NBA G League affiliate Westchester Knicks, averaging 15.0 points and 4.5 rebounds on a 40.1 percent three-point shooting clip.
In late September, the Nets released a short film on X (formerly) Twitter telling more of Martin's origin story, and he gave one quote that will catch fans' and the organization's attention:
"Ever since I got here, it's been a lot help. Everybody's putting in a lot of time helping me work and helping me get to where I want to be. Every day, just trying to get 1 percent better," Martin said in the video.
It appears Martin is looking to take himself to the next level with the Nets, and with the direction the franchise is going in, he should have an opportunity to do so.
Jaylen's Martin's origin story
In Brooklyn's short film, Martin said he started playing basketball at a young age for fun. He played with his cousins on the same team, but when Martin got to middle school, he felt like he could play at a higher level. He said he started taking basketball very seriously in high school. Martin began working out more often and gave credit to his mentors.
Former Knicks guard and standout Florida State football quarterback Charlie Ward took Martin under his wing and helped the young guard develop his on-the-court and off-the-court qualities. After high school, Martin signed with Overtime Elite and felt like the experience taught him how to be a professional.
In November 2023, Martin made the leap from OTE to the Knicks, signing a two-way contract with the team. After a stout showing in the G League, Martin earned his opportunity with the Nets in February 2024. In 13 games with Long Island, Martin averaged 9.2 points and 3.8 rebounds.
Jaylen Martin will face steep competition during his time split with Brooklyn and Long Island, but his work ethic and mindset will set him up for success no matter where he is.