Pistons vs. Pelicans: Cartier Martin could fill in for hobbled Caron Butler

When 34 year old Caron Butler signed with the Pistons, it was acknowledged that Butler's minutes would need to be limited at times as the season wore on. It looks like we are to one of those times.

Butler missed the second half of the Pistons' win against the Toronto Raptors Monday night due to a tight hamstring, then sat out in yesterday's practice according to Keith Langlois.

Caron Butler, who missed 2nd half last night with tight hamstring, sat out today's practice. Is Cartier Martin next man up? SVG: "Possibly"

— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) January 14, 2015

Cartier Martin has seen limited action so far this season, appearing in only 11 games and 9 minutes per contest. A 38 percent career three point shooter, his shot has yet to start falling. So far he's shooting only 21 percent behind the arc.

He also had a late start with his new team due to a plantar fascia strain to open the season.

Hopefully Butler's able to return to health quickly, but getting Martin a chance to show what he can do could be beneficial for the team as it puts together its playoff run. Martin has shown flashes of potential as a 3-and-D role player in previous stops with the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards.

With the need to keep Butler's legs fresh and Kyle Singler's occasional bouts of inconsistency, an extra player who can help out at both small forward and shooting guard could prove to be a valuable asset for Stan Van Gundy.