Kelsey Plum Makes Opinion On Rookie Kate Martin Extremely Clear

09/05/2024 22:28

As a rookie second-round draft pick, Kate Martin didn't have the clearest path to make the Las Vegas Aces' roster.

Right now though, Martin is one of 12 players still on the roster five days before the season opener. She hasn't officially made the team yet, but so far, so good.

Martin was perhaps underappreciated during her time at Iowa due to playing alongside Caitlin Clark, but the 6-foot guard dubbed "Money" by head coach Becky Hammon has been making her presence felt in camp.

"She's been incredible, she's like a sponge. Super competitive," Aces star Kelsey Plum told FOX 5 Vegas' Paloma Villicana.

The Aces did not hold a first-round pick this year, but did take three players in the second round: Syracuse guard Dyaisha Fair (No. 16 overall), Martin (No. 18 overall) and Virginia Tech center Liz Kitley (No. 24 overall).

Kitley is still recovering from an ACL injury, but Fair and Martin are trending toward sticking around with the defending WNBA champions.

"It's been really cool to have those two here. I think they're going to help our team grow," Plum said.

As for Martin's approach, the Edwardsville (Ill.) native is keeping it simple.

"I'm not trying to prove anything, honestly. I'm trying to be myself," Martin said recently. "I think I'm here for a reason and they drafted me for a reason. So I'm just trying to be myself and be who I am to the best of my capability."

The Aces will open the 2024 season next Tuesday against the Phoenix Mercury.