There are plenty of 2026 NBA Draft prospects who aren’t going to get the same love as the top young players. That by no means should devalue a player like Northwestern’s Nick Martinelli. Martinelli is a player who stayed loyal and benefited from being the go-to guy for the Wildcats for much of his career. Obviously, his team’s success was limited based on where he played. However, Martinelli still showed that he was one of the best players in the Big Ten. It also makes him a quality prospect for teams looking for value.
Let’s dive a little deeper into his 2026 NBA Draft Profile.
Nick Martinelli 2026 NBA Draft Profile
College Career
Martinelli began his career with the Wildcats as a freshman in 2022. He was pretty much a background player, with the likes of Boo Buie and Chase Audige leading the charge. Martinelli saw action in 20 games that season, averaging 2.6 points per game and 1.5 rebounds. That limited playing time didn’t deter Martinelli, as he made a big step during his sophomore season, playing in all 34 games for Northwestern and starting 11 of them. His averages jumped as well, pitching in 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.
His tenacity in his first two seasons really came to a head during his junior year in 2024-25. By then, he was the face of Wildcats basketball. He averaged 20.5 points a night for Northwestern, which led the Big Ten and was tenth in the entire country. For his efforts that season, he was named to the All-Big Ten second team. That was when he started getting some draft buzz alongside current Oklahoma City Thunder guard and former teammate Brooks Barnhizer.
That buzz wasn’t enough to entice Martinelli to leave for the NBA, nor to enter the transfer portal. So he returned for his senior campaign this past season. It was yet another impressive run for Martinelli. He reached the highest scoring average of his career with 23 points a night. Martinelli also grabbed 6.2 rebounds per game and was good for two assists per game. He finished with 759 points on the season, despite not qualifying for anything beyond the Big Ten Tournament.
Both his average and total scoring marks for the season were the best in the Big Ten. That also led him to All-Big Ten honors for the second-straight year.
Martinelli’s bucket-getting and grit on the court certainly put him among the best players in Northwestern history, let alone in the Big Ten in the last several years.
Strengths
Offense
If you’re looking for a catch-and-shoot scorer, Martinelli is among the best for the position he was asked to play at Northwestern. It only adds to how proficient he was throughout his career. In fact, his in-game decisions were why he was such an efficient scorer. Sure, he could make threes, but automatic shots from deep just aren’t his game. He shot 36 percent from deep for his career, given it was his job to be the go-to three-point scorer — which most players are when they are amongst the elite in scoring. He did shoot 41 percent from deep this season, albeit on 3.3 attempts per game.
Regardless, Martinelli has shown he can be a three-level scorer. Not to mention getting to the free-throw line and converting on and-one opportunities. The elbow jumper appears to be his favorite spot on the floor to shoot.
Another one of his major factors is his ability to create his own looks. At 6’7″, he’s got good size for a player who can handle the ball when it is asked of him. He very rarely dribbles himself into trouble. Martinelli isn’t afraid to back down in the paint either, being a very effective post-up player.
He’s not going to be the primary ball-handler, but Martinelli became a capable playmaker during his time at Northwestern.
Defense
Tenacity and motor give Martinelli the drive to compete on the defensive end, even when he’s more known for his offensive skills. He is willing to be physical, which will continue to be an asset at the next level. That gives him the chance to be an excellent pick-and-roll defender. Martinelli can stay composed, even when defending bigger and more aggressive opponents. He’s able to move his feet well.
Martinelli proved he was able to stop players on the perimeter, preventing ball handlers from getting the rock into the post. He isn’t going to pad the stat sheet with steals and blocks, but overall, he is a quality piece on the defensive end, especially if he lands in the right system.
Weaknesses
Offense
Despite his effective from deep this season, Martinelli has work to do from three. His unwillingness to shoot from beyond the arc could limit him at the next level. The NBA is a three-point shooting league, and if he can’t be willing to take outside shots at a higher clip, it’s hard to see him being more than a bench piece, like he was for his early days at Northwestern. That lack of a desire to shoot also limits him at the charity stripe. Obviously, he was good at getting to the line. But having shot 76 percent for his career, he could use a boost, especially when he attempted four free-throws per game in his career.
His physicality isn’t going to drop, but this lefty is going to have to work on finishing with his right hand as well. His form is not that smooth, but he is able to make some tough shots.
Defense
Martinelli is going to struggle guarding quicker players. Not to mention, he’ll be asked to get down and dirty with some of the most physical players in the world. The senior forward has the physicality, but will he be able to handle himself when facing a seven-footer who can score at all three levels?
Martinelli often tried to do too much and would get burned on defense as a result. His attempts to over-help would allow for open looks. Martinelli cannot allow himself to watch the ball either; that was a massive issue in crucial moments, when his team needed him to help get a stop.
NBA Comparison
Martinelli grew into a prominent scorer in the Big Ten during his four years at Northwestern. It’s going to be a bit of a climb for him to continue that in the NBA, but he certainly has the tools that compare nicely to several players who carved a path in the pros. His usage rate was higher in college than that of Georges Niang, but I think of their respective frames and how they’ve proven to be physical enough to stick with bigger players. Another good comp would be Semi Ojeleye, who always provided solid minutes off the bench.
2026 NBA Draft Projection
Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
