The Nets announced three roster transactions on Thursday.
“It took a lot of hard work, you know?” Martin said when asked about the path to his new deal. “That’s not going to change, but it definitely feels like a weight on my shoulders lifted when that happened,”
The 25-year-old has scored at least 10 points on 12 occasions, including a 30-point eruption in a road win over the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 27. He was no longer eligible to appear in games for Brooklyn under his two-way status. Speaking to reporters at Wednesday’s practice, Fernandez said no player was more deserving of a standard deal than him — and Martin acknowledged Fernandez’s kind words.
“It feels good,” Martin said. “It gives you some type of clarity to know that you’re doing the right things and doing what he stands for…. I feel like I’m going out there and doing the things he wants me to do. I feel like I’m just being myself and being the pro that I am.”
Hayes was invited to training camp to compete for a roster spot, but didn’t play in any preseason games because of hip soreness, was subsequently waived, and has spent most of this season with G League affiliate Long Island.
“I mean, that’s just God’s plan,” Hayes said. “Injuries got in the way. Going to Long Island, just having that whole process and learning curve and just adapting, sticking with it, working hard, and just keep believing that my opportunity will come.”
The 23-year-old has been a beast in the G League, averaging 21 points, 5.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists across 13 starts while shooting 49.5% from the field and 40.3% from the free throw line. He also led the league in steals with 2.8 per game.
Now, Hayes has at least 10 days to showcase his newfound confidence at the NBA level. His addition gives the Nets another traditional floor general who can compete for backup point guard minutes with two-way guard Reece Beekman.
“My goal is to stay in the NBA, make a mark for myself,” Hayes said. “But I think my short-term goals are [to] just be a team player, show what I can do in these 10 days I have, and just keep going from there. Just helping my teammates, being a great teammate, being a great locker room guy, and just doing what I have to do.”