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Darrick David Martin (born March 6, 1971) is an American former professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins. Martin played professionally for over a decade, shuttling between NBA and the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), where he won the 2003 CBA Playoffs MVP. In 2003, he even played for the Harlem Globetrotters. He then went on to play for the Los Angeles Lightning of the Independent Basketball Association (IBL). He was named the head coach of the Reno Bighorns of the NBA G League in 2016.

Key Information

High school honors and collegiate history

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As a senior at St. Anthony High School, Martin was a Parade First-Team All-American and named to the McDonald's High School All-American[1] team.

Martin received a full scholarship from the University of California, Los Angeles, and played on a Bruins squad with future NBA players Don MacLean, Tracy Murray and Mitchell Butler. As a quick point guard, he completed his college career at UCLA in 1992 ranked second in school history in both assists (636) and steals (179) behind Pooh Richardson. Martin's career assists total placed him fourth on the Pacific-10 Conference's all-time list. He averaged 9.3 points and 4.9 assists in his four years at UCLA. As a junior, he averaged a career-high 11.6 points and 6.8 assists, and his assists average was the best in the Pac-10 and the 16th highest in the country. His single-season high of 217 assists was second all-time at UCLA to Richardson's 236.

Professional career

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Pre-NBA career

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The 5'11" point guard was not drafted by an NBA franchise and instead played for the CBA's Sioux Falls Skyforce, (where he was the league's 10th leading scorer with 21 points per game). He was selected to the CBA All-League Second Team in 1995.[2] He signed two consecutive 10-day contracts with the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves in February 1995. He returned to the Timberwolves for the 2003–04 NBA season as a backup for Sam Cassell after Troy Hudson was injured.

Vancouver Grizzlies

[edit]

At the beginning of the 1995–96 NBA season he signed with the Vancouver Grizzlies as a free agent, but the Grizzlies traded him back to the Timberwolves two months later, in exchange for a second-round draft pick. His scoring average in these first two seasons remained at about seven points per game.

Los Angeles Clippers

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Martin signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in 1996 and remained with them for three seasons, averaging ten points per game in (and playing all 82 games of) the first two of them.

He returned to the Clippers in the 2004–05 season and averaged 3.8 PPG.

Sacramento Kings

[edit]

Martin's contract expired once again after the lockout-shortened 1999 season, and he signed with Sacramento Kings where he would spend the next two years. Late in the Kings' 130–109 win over the Dallas Mavericks on March 6, 2000, Martin came off the bench to score 11 points in only two minutes. He was given the nickname "The Domino" by his teammates.

CBA

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Martin won a Continental Basketball Association (CBA) championship with the Yakima Sun Kings in 2003.[3]

Toronto Raptors

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Martin signed with the Toronto Raptors for the 2005–06 season. In his first year with the club he posted 2.6 ppg and 1.4 apg in 8.5 mpg of play. Martin's primary role with the Raptors, according to head coach Sam Mitchell, was to provide guidance to the younger players on the team such as point guards T. J. Ford and José Calderón. Darrick's most notable moment in a Raptors uniform was a 3-pointer against the Dallas Mavericks on November 29, 2006. With over a second remaining in regulation, and the Raptors trailing by 22 points, Martin hoisted up a 3-point shot uncontested and successfully sunk the shot. With the Raptors NBA record consecutive game streak with a 3-pointer on the verge of ending, Martin's shot enabled the Raptors to extend the streak which ended January 24, 2011. After two and a half seasons with Toronto, Martin was waived on March 27, 2008, to open up a spot on the roster for Linton Johnson. Though waived by the Raptors, Martin stayed with the team as an informal assistant coach/consultant.

NBA career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 *  Led the league

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1994–95 Minnesota 34 9 23.6 .408 .184 .877 1.9 3.9 1.0 .0 7.5
1995–96 Vancouver 24 0 16.8 .450 .227 .826 1.6 2.5 1.1 .0 6.7
1995–96 Minnesota 35 16 21.3 .381 .319 .851 1.3 4.5 .7 .1 7.3
1996–97 L.A. Clippers 82 64 22.2 .407 .389 .872 1.4 4.1 .7 .0 10.9
1997–98 L.A. Clippers 82* 63 28.0 .377 .365 .848 2.0 4.0 1.0 .1 10.3
1998–99 L.A. Clippers 37 25 25.4 .367 .292 .803 1.3 3.9 1.2 .1 8.0
1999–00 Sacramento 71 1 12.6 .380 .306 .824 .6 1.7 .4 .0 5.7
2000–01 Sacramento 31 0 5.6 .382 .519 .886 .5 .5 .2 .0 3.3
2001–02 Dallas 3 0 7.5 .000 .000 .500 .3 1.0 .7 .0 .3
2003–04 Minnesota 16 0 10.7 .299 .231 1.000 .4 1.4 .1 .1 3.4
2004–05 L.A. Clippers 11 0 17.3 .320 .278 .625 .9 2.5 .5 .0 3.8
2005–06 Toronto 40 0 8.5 .351 .400 .750 .5 1.4 .4 .0 2.6
2006–07 Toronto 31 0 7.1 .351 .351 .714 .4 1.4 .1 .0 3.0
2007–08 Toronto 17 0 8.3 .233 .125 .833 .4 1.2 .4 .0 1.6
Career 514 178 17.8 .382 .340 .843 1.1 2.9 .7 .0 6.9

Playoffs

[edit]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1997 L.A. Clippers 3 3 25.7 .440 .556 .667 .7 4.3 .0 .0 11.0
2000 Sacramento 2 0 10.5 .333 .333 .750 1.5 1.0 .5 .0 5.0
2001 Sacramento 2 0 4.5 .000 .000 – .0 1.5 .0 .0 .0
2004 Minnesota 16 3 11.4 .275 .300 .800 .9 1.4 .3 .0 3.1
2007 Toronto 2 0 4.1 .000 .000 1.000 .5 1.0 .0 .0 1.0
Career 25 6 11.9 .301 .333 .771 .8 1.7 .2 .0 3.8

Later work

[edit]

In November 2009, Martin returned to his first NBA team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, as the assistant director of player development.

In 2012, Martin was named an assistant coach of the St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team, working under head coach Steve Lavin.

On October 27, 2015, it was announced that he had been hired as the radio analyst for the UCLA Bruins on the UCLA Bruins IMG Sports network, replacing Tracy Murray.[4]

On June 22, 2016, Martin was named the head coach of the Reno Bighorns of the NBA Development League.[5] When the team relocated to become the Stockton Kings, he was not retained.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Darrick Martin

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from Grokipedia
Darrick David Martin (born March 6, 1971) is an American basketball coach and former professional player, best known for his 13-season career as an undersized in the (NBA). Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) and weighing 170 pounds (77 kg), Martin overcame his diminutive stature with tenacity and skill, averaging 7.0 points and 2.4 assists per game across 615 regular-season appearances. After retiring as a player in 2008, he pursued a coaching career, including roles as an NBA assistant, a staff member, and head coach of an team. Martin was born in Denver, Colorado, and attended St. Anthony High School in , where he earned All-American honors as a senior. He then played for the from 1988 to 1992, earning Pac-12 All-Freshman Team recognition in his debut season and contributing to the team's 1991 appearance. Undrafted in the , Martin began his professional journey in the Continental Basketball Association before signing with the in 1994, marking the start of his NBA tenure. Over his NBA career, Martin suited up for six franchises: the (1994–1996, 2003–2004), (1995–1996), (1996–1999, 2004–2005), (1999–2001), (2001–2002), and (2005–2008). His standout statistical performances included a career-high 38 points against the on December 30, 1996, and 13 assists versus the on January 19, 1996, while he appeared in 25 playoff games, primarily with the Timberwolves. Left-handed and renowned for his quickness and defensive hustle, Martin became a reliable reserve who provided scoring and playmaking off the bench. Transitioning to coaching post-retirement, Martin served two seasons (2008–2010) as an assistant coach and player development specialist with the . He then joined St. John's University as an assistant coach under from 2010 to 2015, focusing on player development and recruitment. In June 2016, he was appointed head coach of the Reno Bighorns in the NBA Development League (now G League), where he led the team through the 2017–2018 season before the franchise relocated and rebranded. As of 2025, Martin holds the position of Director of Basketball Operations at St. John's University, continuing his contributions to .

Early life and education

High school career

Darrick Martin was born on March 6, 1971, in , , before his family relocated to , where he developed his skills in local environments. He attended St. Anthony High School in nearby , emerging as a standout known for his scoring and playmaking abilities under coach Tom Roanhaus. As a junior in the 1986-87 season, Martin averaged 31 points per game, setting a Long Beach high school single-season scoring record at the time and earning recognition as one of the nation's top s from college coaches. In his senior year of 1987-88, he elevated his performance, leading the Southern Section with an average of 33.4 points and 11 assists per game over 25 regular-season contests, while scoring in double figures in all but one game. These stats highlighted his prowess as a quick, left-handed guard who excelled in ball-handling and court vision, often described by Roanhaus as the best in the nation. Martin's senior season accolades included selection as a First-Team All-American and a All-American, along with Player of the Year honors. Under Roanhaus's guidance, who initially advocated for Martin's talent after his junior year breakout, St. Anthony achieved a 21-4 record, won the Camino Real League title, and earned the No. 3 seed in the Southern Section 5-A playoffs. His high school success paved the way for a full to UCLA.

College career

Darrick Martin enrolled at the (UCLA) in 1988, joining the Bruins men's basketball team as a highly recruited out of high school. As a freshman in 1988-89, he earned Pac-10 All-Freshman Team honors. Over his four seasons from 1988 to 1992, he established himself as the starting , contributing to a dynamic backcourt under coach . Martin appeared in 129 games, averaging 9.3 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 45.8% from the field and 75.4% from the free-throw line. Martin's playmaking prowess left a lasting mark on UCLA's record books, where his 636 career assists rank fourth all-time and his 179 steals rank sixth. As a junior in the 1990-91 season, he achieved career highs of 11.6 points and 6.8 assists per game, showcasing his ability to facilitate the offense for teammates like and . His defensive tenacity and quickness were instrumental in the Bruins' fast-paced style, helping the team compile a 94-35 overall record during his tenure. Martin participated in four consecutive NCAA Tournaments from 1989 to 1992, playing in 10 tournament games total. The Bruins advanced to the second round in 1989 (defeating Iowa State before losing to ), the Sweet Sixteen in 1990 (beating UAB and before falling to ), exited in the first round in 1991 (upset by Penn State), and reached the in 1992 as a No. 1 seed (victories over Robert Morris, Louisville, and New Mexico State before a loss to ). These postseason runs highlighted Martin's growth as a performer in high-stakes games. Following the 1991-92 season, Martin went undrafted in the , concluding his collegiate career without selection despite his productive statistics and tournament experience.

Professional playing career

Pre-NBA career

After going undrafted in the , Darrick Martin began his professional basketball career by signing with the of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) in 1994. During the 1994–1995 season, Martin showcased his skills as a , averaging 21.0 points, 7.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game across 37 contests for the Skyforce, who finished with a 34–22 record. His standout play, including a league-high 289 total assists, highlighted his playmaking ability and earned him a selection to the CBA All-League Second Team in 1995. Martin's college achievements at UCLA, where he set school records for career assists, provided the foundation for these early professional opportunities. Following his CBA success, he pursued NBA entry as an undrafted free agent, signing two consecutive 10-day contracts with the Minnesota Timberwolves in February 1995.

Early NBA stints (1995–1996)

Martin entered the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves in February 1995, initially signing a 10-day contract on February 13, followed by a second 10-day contract on February 26. His performance during these trials led to a contract for the remainder of the 1994–95 season on March 7. Appearing in 34 games primarily off the bench, Martin averaged 7.5 points, 3.9 assists, and 23.6 minutes per game, providing quick scoring and playmaking as a rookie undrafted guard transitioning from a standout CBA tenure with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, where he averaged 21 points per game and earned All-League honors. In the 1995–96 season, Martin signed as a with the expansion in October 1995, marking the franchise's inaugural year. He played 24 games off the bench for , averaging 6.7 points and 2.5 assists in 16.8 minutes per game, contributing to the team's backcourt depth amid their 15–67 record. On January 11, 1996, the Grizzlies traded him to the Timberwolves in exchange for a second-round draft pick. Reuniting with , Martin appeared in 35 games, starting 16, and averaged 7.3 points and 4.5 assists in 21.3 minutes per game, helping stabilize the point guard rotation. These early stints highlighted Martin's adaptability to the NBA's faster pace and physicality compared to the CBA, though limited minutes underscored the challenges of establishing a consistent role as a diminutive 5'11" guard in a league favoring taller athletes.

Los Angeles Clippers (1996–1999)

Darrick Martin signed a two-year contract with the as a on September 20, 1996, marking his first extended stay in the NBA after brief appearances with the the prior season. During the 1996–97 season, Martin emerged as a key backcourt player, appearing in all 82 games and starting 64 of them while averaging 10.9 points and 4.1 assists per game in 22.2 minutes. He provided consistent scoring and playmaking, highlighted by a career-high 38 points and 8 assists in a 115–101 win over the on December 30, 1996. The Clippers finished 36–46 that year under coach , ending a long playoff drought but missing the postseason for the fifth straight season. In 1997–98, Martin maintained his role as the primary , playing all 82 games again and starting 63, with averages of 10.3 points and 4.0 assists in 28.0 minutes per game. His improved three-point shooting at 36.5% added versatility to the offense, though the team struggled amid front-office instability, posting a 17–65 record and finishing last in the Pacific Division. Martin's tenure concluded in the lockout-shortened 1998–99 season, where he appeared in 37 games, starting 25, and averaged 8.0 points and 3.9 assists in 25.4 minutes. A strained left sustained on March 24 limited him to just five games after midseason, contributing to the Clippers' dismal 9–41 finish and continued absence from the playoffs. Over his three seasons with , totaling 201 games, Martin totaled 2,034 points and 808 assists, serving as a reliable starter known for his quickness and ball-handling in a rebuilding franchise's challenging era.

Sacramento Kings (1999–2001)

Following his three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, which familiarized him with West Coast basketball, Darrick Martin signed with the as a free agent in the 1999 offseason. He spent two seasons with the team (1999–2001), primarily serving as a backup point guard to starter Jason Williams. Martin's steady presence off the bench helped stabilize the Kings' fast-paced offense during their emergence as a Western Conference contender. Over 102 regular-season games with Sacramento, Martin averaged 4.9 points and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 38.0% from the field. In the 1999–2000 season, he appeared in 71 games (one start), contributing 5.7 points and 1.7 assists in 12.6 minutes per game. His role diminished in 2000–2001 to 31 games, with averages of 3.3 points and 0.5 assists in 5.7 minutes, as the Kings deepened their backcourt rotation. These contributions supported Sacramento's high-octane style, which ranked among the league's top scoring teams both years. Martin saw limited action in the playoffs during Sacramento's postseason pushes. In 2000, the Kings lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round (3–2), with Martin playing two games for 5.0 points and 1.0 assist in 10.5 minutes. The following year, Sacramento advanced past the Phoenix Suns (3–1) before falling to the Lakers in the conference semifinals (4–0); Martin appeared in two games, recording 1.5 assists in 4.5 minutes without scoring. His playoff minutes underscored his utility as a reliable reserve amid the team's rising competitiveness.

Dallas Mavericks and CBA (2001–2003)

Following his departure from the Sacramento Kings, Darrick Martin signed with the Dallas Mavericks prior to the 2001–02 NBA season as a veteran point guard seeking to secure a rotational role. However, his opportunities were scarce behind incumbent starter Steve Nash, who anchored the backcourt alongside Nick Van Exel. Martin appeared in just three games for Dallas, totaling 22 minutes of play without recording a field goal and contributing only one point and three assists overall. Released by the in December 2001, Martin transitioned to the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), joining the Yakima Sun Kings for the 2002–03 season to revitalize his professional playing career. As a seasoned leader, he provided scoring punch and playmaking from the point guard position, helping the Sun Kings finish second in the league with a 28–20 regular-season record. In the playoffs, Martin's performance elevated the team to the CBA championship, their first title in franchise history, defeating the in the finals. Named the league's Playoff/Finals MVP, he averaged 20.5 points per game across the postseason, showcasing his scoring ability with standout efforts such as 33 points in a crucial victory and 28 points with 15 assists in the semifinals. His leadership and adaptability in the environment underscored his resilience after limited NBA minutes.

Later NBA stints (2003–2005)

After spending time in the Continental Basketball Association, where he contributed to a championship run, Martin returned to the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2003–2004 season, signing as a veteran depth piece at point guard. He appeared in 16 regular-season games off the bench, averaging 10.8 minutes, 3.4 points, and 1.4 assists per game, while providing steady backup support amid the team's strong campaign. In the playoffs, where the Timberwolves advanced to the Western Conference Finals, Martin played all 16 games, logging 11.4 minutes per outing with 3.1 points and 1.4 assists on average, often stepping up in key moments such as a 15-point, six-assist performance against the Los Angeles Lakers when starter Sam Cassell was injured early. His veteran presence helped stabilize the backcourt rotation, bringing energy and experience to a squad led by Kevin Garnett that finished with a franchise-best 58 regular-season wins but fell short of the NBA Finals. In January 2005, Martin rejoined the on a 10-day contract, later extended, to address injuries at and bolster the bench. Over 11 games, he averaged 17.3 minutes, 3.8 points, and 2.5 assists per game, serving as an energetic reserve who could handle the ball effectively in limited roles. Notable outings included a 10-point, three-assist effort in a win over the , where he shot efficiently in the fourth quarter to help secure the victory. As a familiar face from his earlier stint with the team, Martin provided quick adaptation and hustle off the bench for a Clippers squad that finished 37–45 and missed the , without delivering major statistical impact but adding reliable depth.

Toronto Raptors (2005–2008)

Darrick Martin signed with the as a on November 16, 2005, marking his transition from Western Conference teams like the to the Eastern Conference. He re-signed with the team in September 2006 and again in September 2007, securing his place as a veteran presence on the roster for three seasons. During this period, Martin served primarily as a backup point guard, providing depth behind starters like Mike James and , and appeared in 88 regular-season games, averaging 2.6 points and 1.4 assists per game in limited minutes off the bench. Martin's most notable contributions came in the 2006–07 season, when he played in 31 games and helped the Raptors secure their first appearance since 2001. In the playoffs against the Nets, he logged minutes in two games, contributing 1.0 point and 1.0 assist per game while offering steady veteran support. Known for his ambidextrous playing style, which allowed him to drive and finish effectively with either hand, Martin brought a unique skill set honed from earlier NBA stints. Sam Mitchell valued his leadership, particularly in mentoring younger guards on court awareness and decision-making, making him an essential off-court influence despite modest scoring output. Martin's time with Toronto concluded on March 27, 2008, when the Raptors waived him to sign forward Linton Johnson to a 10-day , ending his 13-year NBA playing career after 514 regular-season games across multiple teams. Following his waiver, Martin briefly signed with the in October 2008 but was waived before the 2008–09 season began.

Post-NBA playing career

After concluding his NBA tenure with the Toronto Raptors following the 2007–08 season, Martin briefly returned to organized basketball in a minor professional league setting. In the summer of 2009, he signed with the Los Angeles Lightning of the Independent Basketball Association (IBL), a short-season league that featured a mix of current, former, and retired NBA talent. Martin's participation with the Lightning was described as recreational, aimed at maintaining fitness rather than a serious comeback attempt, though he played a key role in the team's success. The Lightning captured the IBL championship that season, defeating the Bellingham Slam 132–121 in Game 3 of the finals, where Martin scored 28 points to help secure the victory. His role as a veteran point guard focused on leadership and entertainment, adapting to a fast-paced, crowd-pleasing style that contrasted with the high-stakes NBA environment. This stint marked Martin's final foray into competitive play, emphasizing enjoyment over professional ambition in a league known for its exhibition-like atmosphere. He officially retired from professional on November 5, 2009.

NBA career statistics

Regular season

Over 13 NBA seasons from 1994 to 2008, Darrick Martin appeared in 514 regular season games (178 starts), averaging 17.8 minutes, 6.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. His highest assist averages occurred during his early years with the , where he exceeded 4.0 assists per game in two seasons. The following table provides a season-by-season breakdown of his regular season performance:
YearTeamGGSMPFGFGAFG%3P3PA3P%FTFTAFT%ORBDRBTRBASTSTLBLKTOVPFPTS
1994-95MIN34923.62.86.9.4080.21.1.1841.71.9.8770.41.51.93.91.00.01.82.67.5
1995-96VAN24016.82.55.5.4500.20.9.2271.61.9.8260.51.01.62.51.10.01.52.06.7
1995-96MIN351621.32.56.6.3810.41.3.3191.82.1.8510.11.21.34.50.70.12.02.27.3
1996-97LAC826422.23.68.8.4071.12.9.3892.73.0.8720.31.11.44.10.70.01.52.010.9
1997-98LAC826328.03.48.9.3771.33.6.3652.22.6.8480.21.82.04.01.00.11.92.410.3
1998-99LAC372525.42.87.5.3670.82.9.2921.62.1.8030.11.21.33.91.20.11.82.28.0
1999-00SAC71112.61.94.9.3800.51.7.3061.41.7.8240.10.50.61.70.40.00.91.35.7
2000-01SAC3105.70.92.5.3820.50.9.5191.01.1.8860.10.50.50.50.20.00.30.93.3
2001-02DAL307.30.03.3.0000.00.7.0000.30.7.5000.00.30.31.00.70.00.31.30.3
2003-04MIN16010.81.34.2.2990.41.6.2310.60.61.0000.10.30.41.40.10.10.41.43.4
2004-05LAC11017.31.54.5.3200.51.6.2780.50.7.6250.30.60.92.50.50.00.51.73.8
2005-06TOR4008.50.92.4.3510.41.0.4000.50.6.7500.10.50.51.40.40.00.41.12.6
2006-07TOR3107.11.13.0.3510.41.2.3510.50.7.7140.10.30.41.40.10.00.40.73.0
2007-08TOR1708.30.62.5.2330.10.9.1250.30.4.8330.20.20.41.20.40.00.10.71.6
Martin's career shooting percentages were 38.5% on attempts, 34.9% on three-point attempts, and 84.8% on free throws.

Darrick Martin appeared in 25 NBA playoff games across five seasons, primarily serving as a bench providing limited minutes in postseason rotations. His career playoff averages were 11.9 minutes, 3.8 points, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 rebounds per game. Martin's most notable playoff contributions came during the 1996–97 season with the , where he played all three games in their first-round series against the , averaging 11.0 points and 4.3 assists in 25.7 minutes per game as a key reserve. In the 1999–2000 and 2000–01 seasons with the , he saw minimal action, appearing in two games each year with averages under 5.0 minutes and no points in 2001. His longest playoff stint occurred in 2003–04 with the , playing 16 games across three rounds (against the , , and ), where he averaged 11.5 minutes, 3.2 points, and 1.4 assists, contributing as a reliable backup during their Western Conference Finals run. Finally, in 2006–07 with the , Martin played two games in their first-round series against the New Jersey Nets, logging just 4.0 minutes per game with 1.0 point and 1.0 assist averages. Throughout these appearances, Martin rarely started (only 6 times total) and focused on spot duty in blowouts or injury situations, emphasizing his role as a depth player rather than a primary postseason contributor.
YearTeamGPMPPPGAPGRPG
1997LAC325.711.04.30.7
2000SAC210.15.01.01.5
2001SAC24.10.01.50.0
2004MIN1611.53.21.40.9
2007TOR24.01.01.00.5
Career2511.93.81.70.8
Table: Darrick Martin's NBA playoff per-game statistics. GP = Games Played; MP = Minutes Per Game; PPG = Points Per Game; APG = Assists Per Game; RPG = Rebounds Per Game.

Coaching career

G League head coaching

In June 2016, Darrick Martin was named head coach of the Reno Bighorns, the NBA G League affiliate of the Sacramento Kings, marking his first head coaching position in professional basketball after serving as an assistant at St. John's University. During his two seasons from 2016 to , Martin led the Bighorns to a 21–29 record in 2016–17, finishing fourth in the Pacific Division, followed by a 29–21 mark in 2017–18 that secured the division title for the first time since 2015–16. The team's improved performance in the second year highlighted Martin's emphasis on disciplined play and offensive efficiency, averaging 115.9 points per game while fostering a competitive roster of young prospects. A core focus of Martin's tenure was player development, drawing from his 13-year NBA playing career as a resilient guard to instill a philosophy centered on , skill refinement, and . He mentored assignments such as forwards and , as well as rookie Harry Giles, helping them adapt to professional demands and contributing to their NBA rotations upon recall. Additionally, several Bighorns earned G League call-ups to NBA rosters, including guard Lamar Patterson to the in 2017 and, in 2018, Reggie Hearn to the , to the , and to the Charlotte Hornets. Martin's time with the Bighorns concluded in August 2018 when the franchise relocated to , and rebranded as the , prompting him to transition to other coaching opportunities.

NBA assistant coaching

In November 2009, Darrick Martin joined the as an assistant director of player development, serving under assistant coach . His role involved supporting the growth of young players both on and off the court, drawing on his experience as a former for the team during multiple stints in his 13-year playing career. Over the subsequent two seasons, approximately 2010–2012, Martin focused primarily on guard development, working closely with players such as rookie point guard and to refine skills like ball-handling and decision-making under pressure. He emphasized reducing turnovers in late-game situations, leveraging his own background to mentor the backcourt during the Timberwolves' rebuilding efforts following the departure of key veterans like . Martin's contributions aligned with the team's transitional phase, where the Timberwolves posted losing records of 17–65 in 2009–10 and 2010–11, aiming to build a foundation through young talent acquisition and skill enhancement. He departed after the 2011–12 season to join St. John's University as an assistant coach.

College coaching

Martin joined the St. John's Red Storm men's basketball staff in September 2012 as an assistant coach under head coach Steve Lavin, a former colleague from UCLA. In this role, he focused on player development, particularly with guards, and contributed to recruiting efforts by leveraging his extensive NBA experience and connections from his playing days at UCLA. Lavin praised Martin's basketball acumen, noting he would be a "tremendous asset... in all areas including recruiting." During the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, Martin also served as Director of Operations at St. John's, handling administrative duties while continuing his assistant coaching responsibilities. His dual roles supported team operations and mentorship, drawing on his professional background to guide young players in skill development and transition to higher levels of competition. In October 2015, Martin transitioned to a role as the radio analyst for UCLA men's , providing color commentary for the Bruins' games alongside play-by-play announcer Bill Roth. This position allowed him to return to his and share insights from his 13-year NBA career, enhancing broadcasts with analysis on strategy and player performance during the 2015-16 season. Following his G League head coaching stint, Martin returned to St. John's University as Director of Basketball Operations, a role he holds as of 2025.

References

  1. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/martida01.html
  2. https://redstormsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/darrick-martin/50
  3. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/darrick-martin-1.html
  4. https://www.nba.com/player/239/darrick-martin
  5. https://www.bruinsnation.com/2016/6/22/12007460/darrick-martin-named-head-coach-of-nba-developmental-league-reno-bighorns
  6. https://dailybruin.com/2016/06/22/radio-analyst-to-step-down-coach-in-nbas-developmental-league
  7. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/bio/_/id/514/darrick-martin
  8. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-02-18-sp-43723-story.html
  9. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-07-17-sp-2649-story.html
  10. https://cifss.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/1988-All-CIF-SS-Basketball.pdf
  11. https://www.presstelegram.com/2013/11/06/darrick-martin-a-basketball-icon-at-st-anthony/
  12. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/ucla/men/leaders-and-records-career.html
  13. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/ucla/men/
  14. https://uclabruins.com/news/2015/10/27/210455693
  15. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/ucla/men/1990-schedule.html
  16. https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/ucla/men/1992-schedule.html
  17. https://www.thedraftreview.com/?view=article&id=3276
  18. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbasketball/roster/t-DLGSFL/y-1994
  19. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbasketball/stats/p-martidar001
  20. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbasketball/l-CBA/y-1994
  21. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1995_transactions.html
  22. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/martida01/gamelog/1995
  23. https://kids.kiddle.co/Darrick_Martin
  24. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/VAN/1996_transactions.html
  25. https://naismithtonash.ca/pros-ncaa/vancouver-grizzlies/1995-96-vancouver-grizzlies/
  26. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/martida01/gamelog/1996
  27. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-09-20-sp-45746-story.html
  28. https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/darrick-martin-most-points-in-a-game
  29. http://www.laalmanac.com/sports/sp12a.php
  30. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-apr-16-sp-28086-story.html
  31. https://www.espn.com/nba/preview99/sac.html
  32. https://www.dailybruin.com/2000/10/02/mhoops-notebook2
  33. https://www.nba.com/stats/player/239/career
  34. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DAL/2002.html
  35. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbasketball/roster/t-CBAYSK/y-2002
  36. https://www.statscrew.com/minorbasketball/l-CBA/y-2002
  37. https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/storied-franchises-compete-for-title/n-1989042
  38. https://usbasket.com/CBA/basketball_2002-2003.aspx
  39. https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/sun-kings-outshine-hoops/n-1986940
  40. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-may-24-sp-heisler24-story.html
  41. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/MIN/2004.html
  42. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jan-06-sp-cliprep6-story.html
  43. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jan-13-sp-clippers13-story.html
  44. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAC/2005.html
  45. http://insidehoops.com/martin-raptors-111605.shtml
  46. https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Darrick-Martin/Summary/730
  47. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/TOR/2007.html
  48. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/martida01/gamelog-playoffs
  49. https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/03/10/up-up-and-away-the-clippers-laughingstocks-no-longer-are-gearing-up-for-the-playoffs
  50. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/respected-vet-martin-signed-by-raptors/article969280/
  51. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/raptors-ink-linton-johnson-cut-darrick-martin-1.737926
  52. https://www.shamsports.com/players/darrick-martin
  53. https://www.thecamarilloacorn.com/articles/lightning-will-play-for-ibl-title/
  54. https://www.sbsun.com/2009/07/29/lightning-strike-at-the-right-time-to-win-international-basketball-league-title/amp/
  55. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/m/martida01/gamelog-playoffs/
  56. https://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2016/06/22/reno-bighorns-name-darrick-martin-head-coach/86254448/
  57. https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/teams/REN/2017.html
  58. https://www.basketball-reference.com/gleague/teams/REN/2018.html
  59. https://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2018/03/30/reno-bighorns-ready-playoffs/474800002/
  60. https://www.nba.com/kings/blog/chasing-d-league-dream
  61. https://www.kolotv.com/content/sports/Martin-returning-as-Bighorns-head-coach-451510493.html
  62. https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nba/patience-needed-for-young-and-inexperienced-kings/1313041/
  63. https://gleague.nba.com/nba-call-ups-for-the-2016-17-season
  64. https://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2018/04/09/reno-bighorns-lose-nba-g-league-team-stockton/500947002/
  65. https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrick-martin-a727a218
  66. https://www.ridiculousupside.com/2018/4/9/17217008/sacramento-kings-plan-to-move-reno-bighorns-to-stockton-california-starting-in-2018-19-season-nba
  67. https://www.twincities.com/2009/11/05/timberwolves-hire-martin-as-assistant/
  68. https://redstormsports.com/news/2012/9/14/lavin_announces_promotions_of_hines_and_chiles_addition_of_martin_to_staff
  69. https://www.twincities.com/2009/11/06/timberwolves-darrick-martin-eager-to-work-with-jonny-flynn/
  70. https://www.nbcsports.com/college-basketball/news/st-johns-officially-announces-hire-of-former-uclanba-guard-darrick-martin
  71. https://nypost.com/2012/09/14/martin-officially-announced-by-st-johns-as-assistant-coach/
  72. https://www.zagsblog.com/2012/09/03/darrick-martin-joins-st-johns-staff/
  73. https://redstormsports.com/sports/mens-basketball/coaches/2014-15
  74. https://qns.com/2013/08/st-louis-whitesell-to-replace-hicks-on-sju-basketball-staff/
  75. https://www.ocregister.com/2013/11/06/martin-fondly-remembers-his-st-anthony-days/
  76. https://dailybruin.com/2015/10/29/qa-darrick-martin-returns-to-ucla-basketball-on-the-radio
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