Ever since Kate Martin was selected as the No. 18 overall pick by the Las Vegas Aces, her game has been significantly impacted. At the beginning of this season, the rookie out of Iowa was quite impressive, averaging 15 minutes per contest. However, as time passed, her role decreased drastically. In the second half of this season, she’s averaging just 2.8 points per game. Most of the time, she has found comfort coming off the bench, and it seems she’s content with that role.

On September 2nd, Kate Martin sat down with the team from Desert Wave Media to discuss a range of topics about herself and the team. “I mean, ups and downs, obviously,” she replied when asked about her journey so far. For Martin, not being able to play more than three minutes in each game during the second half of the season is quite disappointing, but she has adjusted to the situation. “I didn’t have really big expectations,” she added.

She knows it’s not going to be perfect, so she never misses an opportunity to learn as much as possible, even if it’s by watching her teammates perform impressively off the bench. “So, just taking nothing for granted and working really hard every single day, that’s all I can really do, and just having a good attitude,” she revealed.

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It seems hope is a blessing in disguise for Martin. Despite her potential, the Aces rookie has been considered underperforming. Even in the last game versus the Minnesota Lynx, Hammon chose not to play her. As a result, the August 21st showdown ended in a loss for her team, leaving them with a 2-4 record. But the question remains: why isn’t Martin getting to play despite recovering from her injury?

Hammon is keeping Martin on the sidelines

It all started in a game versus the Chicago Sky. In the first quarter, the Aces’ standout went down hard after making contact with Sky’s guard Dana Evans. Soon after, Martin was seen exiting the court in immense pain. Later, it was announced that she had sustained a lower leg injury in the July 17th game versus the Chicago Sky.

For a rookie ready to dominate, this news would have been world-shattering. But Martin is quite different from others. As she walked onto the court in the second half, she looked much better, though she had a slight limp while walking under her own power. Since then, Martin has been struggling off the bench.

Hammon has barely put her into play. It might be due to her concern for Martin, wanting her to take ample time to rest her leg. But it might also be that she doesn’t find her ready to test the waters yet. Whatever the situation is, one thing remains true: Martin is here to roar. She might not be able to perform to her fullest right now, but she’s “working really hard.”

Overall, Martin’s rookie year exemplifies how the WNBA is not easy at all. Especially for rookies, it might challenge them physically in ways they never experienced before. Whether it’s Martin or Caitlin Clark, every rookie has faced tough times. What do you think? Comment down below!