Three games. That’s all we’ve seen of Cody Martin in a Phoenix Suns uniform. And yet, I have to admit—I’m impressed.
We didn’t know much about the small forward when he arrived as part of the Jusuf Nurkic trade at the deadline. We knew his twin brother, Caleb, had his moment in the spotlight two postseasons ago, helping the Miami Heat surge to the NBA Finals. But Cody? The 29-year-old spent his entire six-year career with the Charlotte Hornets, a team that rarely lands on anyone’s must-watch League Pass list.
Across 245 games in Charlotte, including 54 starts, Martin averaged just 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 22.3 minutes per game. A 31.9% clip from deep doesn’t exactly turn heads, either. It begs the question: How has he stuck around this long? Then you remember—it’s Charlotte. Sometimes, just showing up is half the job.
The Suns acquired him in early February, but we didn’t see him for weeks. A lingering sports hernia kept him sidelined, costing him 16 games before he finally made his debut. Now that he’s on the court, though, he’s making up for lost time.
Martin made his Suns debut on March 16, an unfortunate introduction in an embarrassing nationally televised loss to the Lakers. But since then — granted, against two of the weakest opponents left on Phoenix’s schedule — he’s started to turn heads.
A quick glance at the box score wouldn’t tell you much. In three games, he’s logging 15 minutes a night, averaging just four points, and struggling from deep, hitting only 1-of-7 from beyond the arc (14.3%). Nothing about those numbers screams impact.
But Martin’s arrival in the rotation has coincided with a shift in Phoenix’s defensive approach, one that embraces disruption. And that’s where he’s caught my attention.
All season long, the Suns have struggled to play effective defense in any capacity. Their point-of-attack defense has been weak, and because of that, opponents have had little resistance getting downhill and scoring from wherever they please. There’s no working for a bucket against Phoenix. It’s practically gift-wrapped. Some of that falls on scheme, some on communication, and some simply on the ability to defend.
But recently, the Suns have been playing with a renewed sense of urgency on the defensive end, and the result has been far more entertaining basketball. Better rotations, more active hands, and a stronger commitment to attacking the boards on both ends have made it tougher for opponents to dictate pace. Instead of effortlessly grabbing a rebound, pushing in transition, and torching Phoenix, teams are finding more obstacles in their way.
In the past two weeks, the Phoenix Suns are:
5th in points off turnovers (20.3)
1st in not allowing second-chance points (9.6)
1st in three-point shooting (42.0%)
2nd in FG% (51.5%)
2nd in OFFRTG (122.2)
9th in NETRTG (5.3)
2nd in rebound% (53%) pic.twitter.com/1pxALHSSpr
— John Voita (@DarthVoita) March 20, 2025
And that effort matters. Defense fuels offense. When the Suns commit on that end, it generates easy scoring opportunities, like it did against the Bulls on Wednesday night. Hustle stats tell the story: points off turnovers, second-chance points. Those don’t just happen. They’re earned.
And Cody Martin has been a part of that shift. Before he made his Suns debut, Phoenix had drawn just nine charges all season, fourth-fewest in the NBA. For comparison, the Oklahoma City Thunder lead the league with 59. But in just three games, Martin has already taken two charges, a small yet telling stat that speaks to his impact.
Beyond that, he’s racked up six steals and two blocks in those same three games. It’s a visualization of the attitude shift Phoenix is embracing. One built on hustle, disruption, and effort. And that shift is translating to a brand of basketball that feels more fluid, more competitive, and, frankly, far more enjoyable to watch.
The thought process behind acquiring Cody Martin — at least from an outsider’s perspective — was that he and Vasa Micic would be salary-cap casualties by season’s end. Their combined $16.9 million next year would be an easy way to trim payroll and inch closer to ducking under the second apron and all the restrictions that come with it.
But here’s your fan overreaction of the day: The Suns should keep Cody Martin next season!
That’s the secret to success, right? Surround your stars with guys who play like him. Players who bring defensive intensity, play with an edge, and actually give a damn. If this summer involves major moves — whether that means reshaping the roster around Devin Booker and/or exploring deals for Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant — then the return package needs to include players with a certain mentality. A certain grit. A certain give-a-shit factor.
Martin won’t light up the scoreboard, but he’s exactly the type of guy you want in your rotation when you need to throw an opponent off their game. To make them uncomfortable. And for far too long this season, the Suns have been the team allowing opponents to play in comfort.
A shift in attitude is happening. Whether Martin remains part of that beyond this season remains to be seen. But in his short time here? He’s already making an impact.
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