Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Nick Martinelli is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA. Born on April 20, 2004, he grew up in Glenview, Illinois, and developed into one of the most productive college basketball players in Northwestern University history. Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall, Martinelli is known for his scoring ability, footwork, versatility and competitive personality.
Beyond his basketball achievements, Nick Martinelli comes from a close-knit family with a strong sporting background. His parents are Jim and Carolyn Martinelli, while his two older brothers, Jimmy and Dominic Martinelli, both played college basketball. His mother was also a talented diver during her younger years. Although his family history is well documented, the Los Angeles Clippers forward has kept his romantic relationships and other aspects of his personal life largely private.
Nick Martinelli’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
As of now, Nick Martinelli has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. The Los Angeles Clippers rookie has maintained a relatively private romantic life, choosing to focus public attention primarily on his basketball career, family and professional development.
Despite increasing interest in his personal life following his success at Northwestern University and selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, there are no reliable public reports identifying a current girlfriend.
Martinelli maintains a social media presence where he shares basketball-related photographs, career achievements and occasional personal moments. However, he has not made a widely reported public announcement introducing a romantic partner.
Throughout his college career, most interviews focused on basketball, his relationship with his older brothers, his family’s sporting background and his development under Northwestern head coach Chris Collins.
Consequently, it remains unclear whether Martinelli is single or privately dating someone. Without confirmation from the player or credible reporting, speculation about his relationship status should not be presented as fact.
Nick Martinelli’s Children: Does He Have Any Kids?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Nick Martinelli has children. The professional basketball player has not announced becoming a father, and reliable sports biographies do not identify any sons or daughters.
Born in April 2004, Martinelli spent four seasons playing college basketball at Northwestern University before entering the NBA in 2026.
His public appearances and interviews have primarily focused on his basketball development, academic achievements and close relationship with his family.
Although he has frequently discussed the influence of his parents and older brothers, he has not publicly shared information about raising children of his own.
As of now, there is no reliable public information confirming that Martinelli is a parent.
Nick Martinelli’s Parents
Nick Martinelli was born to Jim Martinelli and Carolyn Martinelli. His parents raised him and his two older brothers in Glenview, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
The Martinelli household was strongly connected to sports, particularly basketball. All three sons developed into talented players and eventually competed at the college level.
Both parents supported their children’s education and athletic development. They also attended basketball games and participated in important decisions concerning their sons’ academic and sporting futures.
Nick’s parents are graduates of Ohio State University, which influenced his childhood support for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
However, despite growing up supporting Ohio State, Martinelli eventually committed to Northwestern University, where he developed into one of the Big Ten Conference’s leading scorers.
Nick Martinelli’s Father: Jim Martinelli
Jim Martinelli is Nick Martinelli’s father and one of the most important influences on his basketball development.
Jim helped raise Nick and his two older brothers, Jimmy and Dominic, in a family environment where competition, teamwork and determination were encouraged.
Basketball was an important part of the Martinelli household, and the brothers frequently competed against one another on the family’s driveway basketball court.
These informal games became a valuable training environment for Nick, who often faced opponents who were older, stronger and more experienced.
According to a February 2025 Chicago Tribune feature, Jim played an important role in shaping Nick’s offensive basketball skills.
Nick explained that his father consistently encouraged his sons to attack the basket rather than relying exclusively on outside shooting.
This approach helped Nick develop his ability to score through floaters, short jump shots and creative finishes near the basket.
His father understood that basketball players could not always depend on having a physical advantage over opponents.
As Nick progressed through high school and college basketball, those lessons became increasingly important.
By the time he reached Northwestern, Martinelli had developed an unusual offensive style built around patience, footwork and finding opportunities in the middle of the court.
Jim also played an important role during Nick’s college recruitment.
In July 2021, when Nick initially committed to Elon University, he explained that he discussed the decision with both parents after returning from his official campus visit.
The family supported the decision because they believed Elon offered a suitable combination of education and competitive basketball.
However, the situation changed in April 2022 when Elon head coach Mike Schrage left the university to join Duke’s coaching staff.
According to Hoops HQ, Jim contacted Elon’s remaining coaching staff to discuss allowing Nick to reopen his recruitment.
The decision ultimately created an opportunity for Martinelli to join Northwestern University.
Jim remained closely involved throughout his son’s college career.
During the 2025–26 season, the Martinelli family frequently attended Northwestern home games at Welsh-Ryan Arena to support Nick.
His father’s guidance and the family’s competitive basketball background helped Nick develop the skills and confidence that eventually attracted NBA attention.
Nick Martinelli’s Mother: Carolyn Martinelli
Carolyn Martinelli is Nick Martinelli’s mother and another important member of his family’s sporting background.
Carolyn was a talented diver during her younger years and nearly pursued the sport at the NCAA Division I level.
According to a July 2021 report published by the Daily Herald, Nick explained that his mother had been on course to compete in diving at the University of Wisconsin.
However, a broken foot prevented her from taking advantage of that opportunity.
Although her own athletic ambitions were affected by injury, Carolyn remained connected to sports through her children.
She helped raise three sons who all developed an interest in basketball and eventually competed at the college level.
Carolyn and her husband, Jim, also attended Ohio State University, and the family’s connection to the university influenced Nick’s childhood interest in the Buckeyes.
Despite their support for Ohio State, Carolyn encouraged Nick to choose a college where he could develop academically and athletically.
When Nick began receiving scholarship offers during high school, she was involved in discussions about the different opportunities available to him.
The family’s support remained important after Martinelli committed to Northwestern in April 2022.
Throughout his four college seasons, Carolyn regularly attended games alongside other relatives.
In a March 2026 feature, Hoops HQ reported that Martinelli’s parents and brothers had been present at every Northwestern home game during his senior season.
Her continued involvement demonstrated the importance of family support throughout Nick’s basketball journey.
Although Carolyn has generally maintained a private professional life, her athletic background and dedication to her children’s development are well documented.
Nick Martinelli’s Siblings
Nick Martinelli has two older brothers: Jimmy Martinelli and Dominic “Dom” Martinelli. He is the youngest of three sons in the family.
Both brothers were successful high school basketball players at Glenbrook South and continued their careers at the college level.
Jimmy played for New York University, while Dominic represented Northwestern University, the University of St. Thomas and the University of Chicago.
Growing up with two older brothers who were passionate about basketball helped Nick develop his competitive personality and offensive skills.
Nick Martinelli’s Oldest Brother: Jimmy Martinelli
Jimmy Martinelli is Nick Martinelli’s eldest brother and a former college basketball player at New York University.
Jimmy grew up in Glenview, Illinois, and attended Glenbrook South High School, where he became an important member of the school’s basketball program.
Standing approximately 6 feet 6 inches tall, Jimmy developed into a versatile forward who contributed through scoring, rebounding and leadership.
During high school, he was a four-year basketball team member and served as a captain during his junior and senior seasons.
He also earned team Most Valuable Player honors and received all-conference recognition twice.
Following graduation, Jimmy enrolled at New York University, where he played NCAA Division III basketball for the NYU Violets from 2016 to 2020.
He immediately established himself as a valuable player during his freshman season.
According to his official NYU biography, Jimmy started all 25 games during the 2016–17 season and earned University Athletic Association Rookie of the Year honors.
He was also selected to the DIII News All-Freshman Team.
Jimmy remained an important player for the Violets throughout his four-year college basketball career.
During his senior season in 2019–20, he appeared in all 25 games, starting 22, and served as a team captain.
He led NYU in rebounding and recorded four double-doubles during the season.
One of his best performances came against Western New England University in November 2019, when he scored a career-high 25 points and collected 11 rebounds.
Alongside basketball, Jimmy studied sports management and participated in the university’s athletic leadership program.
His college achievements provided an early example for Nick, who was still developing his basketball skills during Jimmy’s time at NYU.
As the eldest brother, Jimmy regularly competed against Nick during their childhood.
Those games helped the youngest Martinelli become accustomed to playing against stronger and more experienced opponents.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Nick also looked up to Jimmy’s leadership and involvement in competitive basketball.
In 2026, Hoops HQ reported that Jimmy had returned to the Chicago area after previously living in Nashville, Tennessee.
He continued supporting Nick during his final season at Northwestern.
Nick Martinelli’s Brother: Dominic Martinelli
Dominic Martinelli, commonly known as Dom Martinelli, is Nick Martinelli’s other older brother and one of the most influential people in his basketball career.
Dom grew up playing basketball alongside Jimmy and Nick at the family’s home in Glenview.
Like his brothers, he attended Glenbrook South High School, where he developed into an outstanding basketball player.
Standing approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall, Dom became known for his scoring ability, determination and competitive personality.
During the 2018–19 high school season, he helped Glenbrook South improve considerably after several difficult years.
He averaged approximately 25 points per game and contributed to the team’s 24-win season.
His performances earned him Illinois Class 4A All-State recognition.
Dom continued improving during his senior season, establishing himself as Glenbrook South’s all-time leading scorer at the time.
He was also recognized as one of the top high school basketball players in the Chicago suburbs.
After graduating in 2020, Dom joined Northwestern University as a preferred walk-on.
He spent the 2020–21 season with the Wildcats before transferring to the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.
Dom later transferred to the University of Chicago for the 2024–25 season, where he continued his education and basketball career.
According to the University of Chicago’s official athletics website, he appeared in 19 games during his graduate season, contributing 59 points and helping the Maroons reach the NCAA Division III Tournament.
His experience at multiple universities provided him with valuable knowledge about college basketball.
He also maintained an especially close relationship with his younger brother Nick.
How Dominic Martinelli Helped Nick Become an NBA Player
The relationship between Nick and Dominic Martinelli is one of the most important aspects of the family’s basketball story.
Growing up, the brothers frequently practiced together and challenged each other in competitive games.
Dom was approximately two years older than Nick, which gave him a physical and competitive advantage during their childhood.
However, Nick gradually learned to adapt to playing against older and more experienced opponents.
In a March 2026 interview with the Daily Herald, Dominic recalled watching Nick develop many of the offensive moves that later became part of his college basketball success.
He explained that Nick had been using floaters, left-handed hooks and other creative finishes since childhood.
Those techniques remained important as he progressed through high school and Northwestern University.
The brothers also played together on Glenbrook South’s varsity basketball team during the 2019–20 season.
Dom later described that experience as one of his favorite childhood memories.
He particularly remembered traveling home together after games and celebrating their achievements with family members.
Although the brothers were highly competitive, Dom explained that their rivalry was generally friendly.
They occasionally argued after losses, but the competition strengthened their relationship rather than creating lasting disagreements.
As they grew older, they continued training together and supporting each other’s basketball ambitions.
Dom described Nick as his best friend and expressed pride in watching his younger brother become one of the most accomplished players in Northwestern history.
The relationship illustrates how competing against older siblings helped Nick develop the confidence and basketball intelligence that eventually contributed to his professional career.
How Nick Martinelli’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Nick Martinelli’s basketball development was heavily influenced by growing up in a family where all three sons played competitive basketball.
His two older brothers, Jimmy and Dominic, introduced him to high-level competition long before he became a nationally recognized prospect.
The family’s driveway basketball hoop became an important training environment where Nick developed his offensive moves.
His father, Jim, emphasized the importance of attacking the basket, while his brothers provided the physical challenges that encouraged Nick to improve his footwork and finishing ability.
As a young athlete, Martinelli also enjoyed American football and baseball.
However, basketball gradually became his primary sport as his height and technical abilities developed.
Nick began attending Northwestern basketball camps during elementary school, where he became familiar with head coach Chris Collins.
According to Collins, he first met Martinelli when the future NBA player was in approximately fifth or sixth grade.
Nick eventually attended Glenbrook South High School, where he followed in the footsteps of his two older brothers.
During his junior season, he averaged 21.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while earning all-state recognition.
His performances continued improving during his senior season in 2021–22.
He averaged 22.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, helping Glenbrook South finish with an impressive 33–3 record.
Martinelli also earned Associated Press Class 4A First-Team All-State honors and was recognized as one of Illinois’ top high school prospects.
He initially committed to Elon University but reopened his recruitment after head coach Mike Schrage left the program.
Northwestern subsequently offered him a scholarship, creating an opportunity to remain close to home while competing in the Big Ten Conference.
Martinelli accepted the offer and joined the Wildcats in 2022.
His freshman season was relatively quiet, as he averaged 2.6 points and 1.5 rebounds per game.
However, he continued developing through regular training and gradually earned more playing time.
By his junior season in 2024–25, Martinelli had become Northwestern’s leading offensive player.
He averaged 20.5 points per game and set a school single-season scoring record.
His performances earned him All-Big Ten recognition and established him as one of the conference’s leading players.
During the 2025–26 season, Martinelli improved further, averaging 23.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.
He led the Big Ten in scoring for the second consecutive season and established a new Northwestern single-season record with 759 points.
He also earned Associated Press First-Team All-Big Ten recognition and received College Sports Communicators First-Team Academic All-America honors for the second consecutive year.
Martinelli finished his Northwestern career with 1,787 points, ranking sixth on the school’s all-time scoring list.
His academic achievements were equally notable. In March 2026, Chris Collins praised his commitment to education, explaining that Martinelli had maintained straight-A academic performance throughout his college career up to that point.
The combination of basketball success and academic excellence reflected the discipline and determination emphasized within his family.
Nick Martinelli’s Journey to the NBA
After completing his senior season at Northwestern, Nick Martinelli entered the 2026 NBA Draft.
His impressive college performances attracted attention from professional basketball scouts, particularly his ability to score efficiently, operate in the midrange and contribute as a versatile forward.
On June 24, 2026, Martinelli was selected with the 55th overall pick in the second round of the NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
His draft rights were subsequently moved through the Houston Rockets to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of draft-night transactions.
The Clippers eventually signed Martinelli to a two-way contract in July 2026, allowing him to develop within the organization while remaining eligible to spend time with its NBA G League affiliate.
During the 2026 NBA Summer League, Martinelli demonstrated his offensive potential.
In a July 15 game against the Washington Wizards, he scored 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting, including three successful three-point attempts.
He also recorded five rebounds, two assists and two steals in the Clippers’ victory.
The performance demonstrated that his scoring ability could translate beyond college basketball.
His selection in the NBA Draft also represented another achievement for the Martinelli family, whose three sons had all competed at the college level.
Nick’s journey from Glenbrook South to Northwestern and eventually the Clippers reflected years of work supported by his parents and older brothers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nick Martinelli’s Family
Who is Nick Martinelli’s girlfriend?
Nick Martinelli has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current relationship status remains private, and no romantic partner has been reliably identified.
Is Nick Martinelli married?
There are no reliable public reports confirming that Nick Martinelli is married.
Does Nick Martinelli have children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Nick Martinelli has any children.
Who are Nick Martinelli’s parents?
Nick Martinelli’s parents are Jim Martinelli and Carolyn Martinelli. They raised Nick and his two older brothers in Glenview, Illinois, and supported their education and basketball careers.
Who is Nick Martinelli’s father?
His father is Jim Martinelli, who helped develop Nick’s basketball skills and encouraged him to become an effective scorer near the basket.
Who is Nick Martinelli’s mother?
His mother is Carolyn Martinelli, a former competitive diver who nearly competed at the NCAA Division I level for the University of Wisconsin before suffering a foot injury.
How many siblings does Nick Martinelli have?
Nick Martinelli has two older brothers named Jimmy Martinelli and Dominic Martinelli. Both played college basketball.
Who is Nick Martinelli’s oldest brother?
Nick Martinelli’s eldest brother is Jimmy Martinelli, who played college basketball at New York University from 2016 to 2020.
Who is Nick Martinelli’s brother Dominic?
Dominic “Dom” Martinelli is Nick’s older brother and a former college basketball player who represented Northwestern University, the University of St. Thomas and the University of Chicago.
Does Nick Martinelli have a sister?
No sister has been identified in reliable public family biographies. Nick Martinelli is the youngest of three brothers.
How old is Nick Martinelli?
Nick Martinelli was born on April 20, 2004, making him 22 years old as of October 2026.
Where is Nick Martinelli from?
Nick Martinelli grew up in Glenview, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He attended Glenbrook South High School before playing college basketball at Northwestern University.
Where did Nick Martinelli play college basketball?
Nick Martinelli played college basketball at Northwestern University from 2022 to 2026. He became a two-time Big Ten scoring leader and set multiple Northwestern scoring records.
Which NBA team does Nick Martinelli play for?
Nick Martinelli plays for the Los Angeles Clippers. He joined the franchise after being selected with the 55th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and signed a two-way contract in July 2026.
Did Nick Martinelli and his brother play together?
Yes. Nick and Dominic Martinelli played together on Glenbrook South High School’s varsity basketball team during the 2019–20 season.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
