Cody Martin Sparks Defensive Turnaround for Phoenix Suns

PHOENIX, Ariz. — In just three games since his arrival, Cody Martin has made a significant impact on the Phoenix Suns‘ defense, displaying a type of intensity the team has sorely needed. The small forward joined the Suns as part of the Jusuf Nurkic trade this season and made his debut on March 16, 2025, after recovering from a sports hernia that had sidelined him for 16 games.

Before joining Phoenix, Martin spent six seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, where he averaged 6.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 22.3 minutes per game. His lackluster statistics and less-than-glamorous tenure raised questions about his potential impact with the Suns. However, early indications suggest that Martin’s inclusion is shifting the Suns’ defensive play.

In his first three appearances with Phoenix, Martin’s box score numbers appear modest—averaging just four points per game in 15 minutes. However, his defensive contributions have been noteworthy, including two charges taken, six steals, and two blocks. According to basketball analyst John Voita, Martin has helped the Suns rank fifth in points off turnovers and first in preventing second-chance points since his debut.

“Cody brings a unique intensity that we’ve been lacking,” Voita noted. “He has a nose for the ball and definitely alters how teams approach us offensively.”

The Suns’ defensive woes had been prevalent all season, as they often struggled to keep opponents from scoring at will. However, Martin’s arrival seems to have coincided with a recent uptick in defensive effectiveness, characterized by better rotations and greater urgency, enabling the Suns to compete more effectively.

Additionally, the team’s statistics in recent games underscore this transformative shift. Over the last two weeks, the Suns rank first in three-point shooting at 42% and second in overall field goal percentage at 51.5%. These figures highlight the connection between their defensive efforts and offensive efficiency.

“Defense fuels offense,” said Suns head coach Frank Vogel. “When we’re more aggressive on defense, we can create easy scoring opportunities, and that’s exactly what we’ve seen since Cody joined the rotation.”

Martin’s role is not merely a question of numbers but one of attitude, disrupting plays and fostering a competitive spirit. Previous to his arrival, the Suns had drawn only nine charges in the entire season—placing them fourth-fewest in the NBA. Now, with Martin’s contributions, they are beginning to become a more challenging matchup.

Following his debut, there has been a surge of support from fans for Martin, who advocates for retaining him for the next season. “Cody might not light up the scoreboard, but he embodies the grit and determination that we need to compete against top teams,” one fan expressed.

As the Suns approach the end of the season, the long-term implications of Martin’s performance will be a topic of discussion as the team contemplates potential roster changes over the summer.

If Martin can maintain his current trajectory, he may become a staple in the Suns’ rotation moving forward.