Best Players in NBL History: Damian Martin

• Six-time NBL champion with Perth Wildcats (2010, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020)
• Record seven-time NBL Best Defensive Player award winner
• Five-time All-NBL First Team selection

Damian Martin established himself as one of the greatest defensive players in NBL history during his 13-year career, winning six championships with the Perth Wildcats while setting records for defensive accolades.

Overview

Damian Martin was the heart and soul of the Perth Wildcats dynasty that dominated the NBL throughout the 2010s. The tenacious point guard made his mark as an elite defender and floor general, leading Perth to six championships over his 11 seasons with the club from 2009 to 2020.

Career snapshot

Martin began his NBL career with the West Sydney Razorbacks in 2007 before joining Perth in 2009. He quickly established himself as the league's premier perimeter defender, winning a record seven NBL Best Defensive Player awards. Martin was also named to the All-NBL First Team five times between 2011 and 2016.

Playing style

Martin's game was defined by his relentless on-ball defense and court leadership. While not a prolific scorer, he excelled at disrupting opposing offenses, generating steals, and setting up teammates. His defensive prowess and basketball IQ made him the perfect floor general for Perth's championship teams.

Why Damian Martin is on our list

Few players in NBL history have had Martin's level of sustained success and defensive impact. His seven Defensive Player of the Year awards are unmatched, and he was the cornerstone of Perth's dynastic run in the 2010s. Martin's leadership and defensive brilliance were crucial factors in the Wildcats' six championships during his tenure.

Five Fast Facts

1. Won a record seven NBL Best Defensive Player awards
2. Made five consecutive All-NBL First Teams from 2011 to 2016
3. Captained Perth to five of his six NBL championships
4. Ranks 14th all-time in NBL steals with 543
5. Had his jersey #53 retired by the Perth Wildcats in 2021

Career Highlights Timeline

2007: Makes NBL debut with West Sydney Razorbacks

2009: Joins Perth Wildcats

2010: Wins first NBL championship with Perth

2011: Wins first NBL Best Defensive Player award

2014: Captures second NBL championship with Perth

2016: Wins third NBL title and fifth straight Defensive Player award

2017: Leads Perth to back-to-back championships

2019: Claims record-breaking sixth NBL championship

2020: Wins seventh Best Defensive Player award and sixth NBL title in final season

Damian Martin's legacy as one of the NBL's all-time great defenders and winners is secure. His record seven Defensive Player of the Year awards speak to his unparalleled impact on that end of the floor. As the floor general and defensive anchor for Perth's dynasty, Martin was the driving force behind the Wildcats' unprecedented run of success in the 2010s.

While his scoring numbers were modest, Martin's leadership, playmaking, and defensive brilliance made him one of the league's most impactful players. He consistently shut down opposing guards and disrupted offenses, setting the tone for Perth's stifling team defense. Martin's basketball IQ and composure in big moments were also crucial to the Wildcats' six championships during his tenure.

Beyond his on-court accomplishments, Martin was renowned for his professionalism, work ethic, and leadership. He set the standard for the Wildcats' culture of success and helped establish Perth as the NBL's model franchise. His impact on the league was so significant that upon his retirement in 2020, the NBL renamed its Defensive Player of the Year award the "Damian Martin Trophy."

Martin's sustained excellence over more than a decade, his unmatched defensive accolades, and his vital role in Perth's dynastic run firmly establish him as one of the most dominant and influential players in NBL history. While he may not have put up gaudy offensive numbers, Martin's overall impact on winning basketball puts him among the all-time greats of the Australian game.