Kate Martin may not have been on many people’s radar for a major role in the WNBA when she entered the league, but the former Iowa standout surprised fans and critics alike with her solid contributions early in the season. Despite having a decent-not-great college career, Martin quickly became one of the Las Vegas Aces’ best bench players at the start of the season. So, what went wrong? Why has Martin seen her playing time plummet as the season progressed?
In this deep dive, we’ll explore why Kate Martin’s role on the Aces has shrunk, what has been hindering her progress, and what she can do to fight her way back into Becky Hammon’s rotation.
Kate Martin’s Early Season Contributions
Martin, drafted in the second round by the Las Vegas Aces, faced an uphill battle to secure meaningful playing time. In the WNBA, roster spots are precious, and second-round picks often struggle to stick around. But Martin quickly proved that she wasn’t just any second-rounder.
Early in the season, Martin established herself as one of the Aces’ top reserves, bringing a much-needed spark off the bench. She demonstrated that she could hit the three-pointer at an impressive rate, sinking 37.5% of her shots from deep in her first 30 games. She even made her mark when given the opportunity to start, dropping 13 points on only seven attempts in her sole start of the season. Not too shabby for someone who was supposed to have limited upside.
A Mid-Season Setback: Injury and the All-Star Break
Just when it looked like Martin was cementing her place in the Aces’ rotation, disaster struck. On July 16, she suffered a bruised Achilles tendon—a scary injury that led her teammates to huddle around her in support. Fortunately, the injury wasn’t as serious as it initially appeared, but it did disrupt her momentum. With the Aces set for an extended break during the Olympics, Martin had time to recover physically, but the injury took a toll on her playing time. Since returning, she has barely seen the court, and when she has, she has struggled to make an impact, failing to score a single point in her subsequent appearances.
Post-All-Star Break Struggles: Losing Minutes
After the All-Star break, Martin’s playing time took a significant hit. The Aces, entering September in fourth place with championship aspirations, have had to tighten their rotation. And when push comes to shove, coaches often turn to veterans and proven players in crucial moments. As the team fights for a top playoff spot and aims for a third consecutive title, Becky Hammon has had to make tough decisions about who gets minutes on the floor. Unfortunately for Martin, she’s found herself on the outside looking in.
In fact, Martin has barely played since mid-July. She did see almost 12 minutes of action on September 3, filling in for Kelsey Plum after Plum suffered an ankle injury. However, those minutes have been few and far between, leaving Martin struggling to find her rhythm.
Martin’s Strengths and What She Brings to the Aces
Despite her recent lack of playing time, it’s not all doom and gloom for Martin. The rookie has shown flashes of her potential, and there’s reason to believe she could still carve out a role for herself on this veteran-heavy team. Here are some of the key areas where Martin has excelled:
| Strengths | Details |
|---|---|
| Shooting | Martin has been reliable from beyond the arc, hitting 37.5% of her three-pointers in her first 30 games. |
| Basketball IQ | She’s shown a high feel for the game, often making the right cuts, passes, and defensive rotations. |
| Defense | Martin has proven herself to be a solid defender, willing to embrace her role as a supporting player. |
| Unselfish Play | She’s an efficient passer and a smart cutter, helping to create opportunities for the Aces’ better scorers. |
What’s Holding Martin Back?
While Martin has shown plenty of promise, there are still a few areas where she needs to improve if she wants to get back into Becky Hammon’s rotation. Chief among them is her scoring aggression. Martin has been too passive on the offensive end, often deferring to her teammates instead of seeking her own shot. As a role player, it’s important to know when to defer, but Martin has struggled to find that balance between playing within the system and being assertive.
Additionally, the Aces’ depth has made it difficult for Martin to crack the rotation. Las Vegas boasts one of the deepest rosters in the league, and when everyone is healthy, minutes are hard to come by—especially for a rookie. With seasoned veterans like Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and A’ja Wilson leading the charge, it’s tough for young players to earn consistent minutes.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Martin?
The big question now is what the future holds for Martin. With the playoffs approaching and the Aces eyeing another championship, it’s unlikely that she’ll see much more playing time this season. However, that doesn’t mean her future in the league is bleak.
In fact, next season could provide Martin with an even bigger opportunity. The WNBA is set to expand, with new teams like the Valkyries joining the fold. More teams mean more roster spots, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Martin find herself with a bigger role, either with the Aces or elsewhere.
Here’s a breakdown of potential scenarios for Martin next season:
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas retains Martin | She could continue to fight for minutes on the Aces, especially if any roster changes occur. |
| Drafted by an expansion team | Martin could find herself in a bigger role with a team like the Valkyries, who will be looking to build their roster from the ground up. |
| Signs with another team | If the Aces move on from Martin, she could be picked up by another team looking for a sharp-shooting, high-IQ player. |
Conclusion: Patience and Potential
For now, Kate Martin will have to remain patient. She’s shown enough flashes of brilliance to warrant a longer look, but in the high-stakes world of the WNBA, patience is a virtue. Martin may not be a star, but she has the skills to carve out a solid career in the league. If she can continue to develop her scoring aggression and take advantage of the opportunities that come her way, there’s no reason to believe she won’t find success, whether with the Aces or another team.
In the meantime, let’s not forget that this is still a rookie campaign for Martin, one filled with both promise and challenges. As the WNBA expands and teams evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more of Martin in the future. For now, though, her journey is a waiting game—one that she’s shown she’s more than capable of winning.
