In the 2024 WNBA draft, Kate Martin was chosen as number 18 overall. However, this would be just the beginning of her fight to play in the league. The WNBA rosters only allow a maximum of 12 players, so the rookie was at risk of not making the final lineup. Despite this, Martin persevered and found herself a member of the Las Vegas Aces.
On Sunday, June 9th, Martin made her first career start for the Aces against the Los Angeles Sparks. She’d be facing off against fellow rookie Cameron Brink, who has been having a great year so far. The Aces ended up losing the battle, but the rookie’s performance showed a bright future ahead of her.
Kate Martin’s Stats So Far
The former Iowa Hawkeye and teammate to rookie star Caitlin Clark has had a decent start to her rookie year. Martin didn’t even believe she’d even be selected in the WNBA draft. Now, she’s contributing to a winning team. She’s averaging a solid 21.1 minutes per game on a stacked roster. Kate Martin also has 5.1 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, and 1.8 assists per game.
These are some solid stats when you’re playing next to A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum. Wilson has been absolutely great this season, averaging 28.3 points per game, while Plum follows behind her with 19.3 points per game. Having a rookie get buckets with high scoring teammates is a good thing to see.
Career High Game and First Start for Martin
Martin’s career start for the Las Vegas Aces showed that the rookie was locked in and ready to roll. She played 32 minutes and got herself 13 points, four rebounds, and three assists. She shot 100% from three and 71.4% from field goal range.
A game like this will help Martin build up her credibility with the team. If she can stay consistent, she could find herself starting more. The Las Vegas player has solid ball-handling skills and knows how to move the ball, which she proved in college. Martin has also had some nice showing from the three-point line when she was wearing her Hawkeyes jersey. Vegas could mold her into a star.
Learning From the Best
The Las Vegas Aces is home to one of the best active players in the WNBA. On June 5th, she made history as the first WNBA player to have at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals in a single game. Her actual stats that game were 36 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, six steals, and one block. Wilson is a powerhouse and has been taking over in every single game.
Furthermore, Wilson has the opportunity to work with a rookie who is showing flashes of a fantastic future. If she can help Martin grow and become the best player she can be, the Aces will be in good hands for years to come. Kate Martin should utilize her time here and recognize that she is playing with the embodiment of WNBA excellence.
About the Author
Elizabeth is an avid watcher of all things sports. However, the Boston sports teams will always be her number one. Her favorite sport to watch is basketball, but she also enjoys professional wrestling, soccer, and baseball. She also loves writing about anything ranging from sports articles to short stories and poems. She hopes to one day write her own sci-fi series and adventure series. You can find her on X @edellapiana1 to check out more content.
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