Martin's the Man

Recently, the Bulls found D.J. Augustin as the replacement for Nate Robinson they couldn't late during the offseason.  True, the Derrick Rose injury necessitated it, but it's worked out pretty well for the team so far.  If they're lucky again, they truly have Luol Deng's replacement in Cartier Martin, who was signed to a 10-day contract Friday.

A journeyman small forward who can also play shooting guard, the 29-year-old Martin is well-traveled since being undrafted out of Kansas State in 2007.  He began his career in Turkey and has also played in Italy and China.  Perhaps Marquis Teague has learned a little about him during his D-League stint with the Iowa Energy, for whom Martin has played on four separate occasions.  In the NBA, he's suited up for Charlotte, Golden State, Washington and most recently, Atlanta.  This past Tuesday, the Hawks waived him after averaging 6.6 points and shooting 40.5 percent from three-point territory in 25 games.  He started there twice this season, so that doesn't rule out him doing the same for the Bulls.

Martin did not appear in Friday's win over the Milwaukee Bucks, but did put in some extra work with the coaching staff before the game.  Players who sign 10-day contracts are always interesting because you never know how long their tenure is going to last.  With Deng gone, Teague still on assignment and injuries continuing to be an issue for this team, Martin might stick around for awhile.  He can shoot from long range and his 6-7, 220-pound frame is perfect for an NBA body.

The Bulls are playing well right now, having climbed up to the fifth seed in the East, so they could use reinforcements to get their record to .500.  Yes, this move was as much a requirement as trying to find another small forward, but another body could be just what they need to keep this winning stretch going.  They did well in finding Augustin, and it would be great if it could happen again with Martin.

The train will run again tonight when the Bulls play the Charlotte Bobcats at the United Center.  Whether you want MJ's team to win or lose for the Bulls to get their draft pick this year is your choice, but Tom Thibodeau's choice will be to take control and send the fans home happy.  He won't change his ways now, so don't plan on it ever happening.  Martin will learn that sooner than later.