Heat's Caleb Martin enters health and safety protocols

Heat small forward Caleb Martin has been placed in the league’s health and safety protocols, per Ira Winderman of The Sun-Sentinel.

Martin has been a valuable contributor off the bench in his first season with Miami, averaging a career-best 7.6 points and 3.2 rebounds in 23 games. He signed a two-way contract in September after being waived by Charlotte, where he spent his first two NBA seasons.

Martin is the first Heat player to enter the protocols, while Saturday night’s opponent, the Bulls, are now up to seven. COVID-19 cases have sidelined several players and coaches around the league this week, with Martin being the fourth one announced Saturday.

“I don’t even think I can make a rational comment on this right now,” Miami coach Erik Spoelstra said when asked about the COVID situation, per Winderman. “I literally was just informed of this within the last 10 minutes. So we just need to wait for a little bit more direction from the league, which they will give us some direction.”

If Martin has tested positive for the virus, he will miss a minimum of 10 days unless he returns two negative tests more than 24 hours apart.