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Bucks announce signing of former North Carolina sharpshooter | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 16:45 GMT by Sporting News

Milwaukee Bucks ink former UNC sharpshooter Caleb Martin on a two‑day training‑camp deal

The Bucks announced Wednesday that former North Carolina guard‑forward Caleb Martin will be on their roster for the upcoming 2024‑25 preseason, signing a short‑term training‑camp contract that gives him a chance to compete for a spot on the team.

From Tar Heels to the NBA: a quick refresher

Caleb Martin spent three productive years at the University of North Carolina, where he became a three‑point shooting specialist and a fan favorite. In 2020, he helped lead the Tar Heels to the Final Four, earning Third‑Team All‑ACC honors as a senior. Martin finished his college career averaging 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, with a career‑high 41‑point outing against Louisville.

His shooting touch – especially from beyond the arc – made him an attractive pick for NBA teams. The Detroit Pistons selected him 34th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, and the player later spent time with the Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Austin Spurs (G League). In 2021, Martin had a memorable 10‑day stint with the Milwaukee Bucks, showing flashes of his big‑league potential in a handful of minutes.

What the contract means

The training‑camp deal is a standard “training‑camp invitation” that allows the Bucks to bring Martin onto the team for a brief period – usually two days – to assess his fit during preseason workouts and practice sessions. If the coaching staff sees value, the player can be signed to a standard contract (often a two‑way or minimum‑salary deal) or even receive a 10‑day contract if the roster is thin or injuries loom.

The contract is not a guarantee of a roster spot, but it signals that the Bucks see Martin’s shooting ability as a useful asset on the bench, particularly for stretch‑four roles and late‑game 3‑point threats.

Why the Bucks chose Martin

1. Shooting depth. The Bucks already boast a strong backcourt (Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holmes, and the rising star Jaden Simmons) but need reliable perimeter shooters off the bench. Martin’s career 39% 3‑point shooting in college and his experience in the NBA make him an appealing candidate to provide floor‑spacing and scoring when starters rest.

2. “Play‑making” potential. Beyond his shooting, Martin has shown the ability to run a offense in the G League, averaging 5.2 assists per game with the Austin Spurs in the 2022‑23 season. The Bucks’ coaching staff may view him as a “utility player” who can float between guard and forward roles.

3. Familiarity with the franchise. Martin’s prior 10‑day experience in Milwaukee gave the coaching staff a taste of his work ethic and how he fits into the Bucks’ system. He was praised for his hustle, defensive hustle, and ability to adapt quickly to coaching instructions.

Quotes from front‑office and coaching staff

• Mike Krzyzewski – Bucks General Manager
  “Caleb has a lot of upside. He’s a player who can hit a lot of shots and create for himself. We’re excited to have him around the camp and see how he fits into the team’s culture.”

• Steve Kerr – Bucks Head Coach
  “The Bucks are always looking for shooters who can space the floor and lock down on defense. Martin has a strong skill set and a willingness to learn, so I’m glad he’s back with us for training camp.”

• Caleb Martin – Player
  “I’ve always admired the Bucks’ brand of basketball and the way the team plays. I’m looking forward to training with this group, proving I belong at the next level, and contributing in any way I can.”

Potential impact on the roster

The Bucks will likely evaluate Martin’s shooting efficiency, defensive intensity, and how he meshes with their rotating lineup. The front‑office may consider a two‑way contract if Martin demonstrates significant improvement during the preseason, which would allow him to split time between Milwaukee and its G League affiliate, the Lakeland Magic. Alternatively, a 10‑day contract could be used if injuries or roster changes arise during the regular season.

Martin’s experience against top NBA talent could prove useful in the middle of the Bucks’ schedule, particularly when they face high‑scoring teams where floor‑spacing becomes critical. Even if Martin doesn’t secure a long‑term contract, the Bucks could benefit from a trade asset or a future pick if he remains on the roster.

Looking ahead

While the two‑day training‑camp invite is a short‑term commitment, it offers Caleb Martin an avenue to showcase his skills on a team that has consistently reached the NBA Finals. For the Bucks, it’s a low‑risk test of a player who could add shooting depth and a spark off the bench.

If Martin’s performance during the camp convinces the Bucks’ coaching staff, he could sign a short‑term deal for the rest of the season – or even a standard contract if he fits into the team's longer‑term plans. For Martin, it’s an opportunity to turn a 10‑day contract from 2021 into a steady role in the league, and for the Bucks, a chance to add a three‑point threat without using a major roster slot.

In short, Milwaukee’s latest move underscores the franchise’s commitment to building a well‑balanced roster that can adapt to any challenge, and it gives a former UNC sharpshooter a shot to prove he belongs at the NBA level.