Is Kenyon Martin the Best Value Free-Agent Pickup of the 2013 NBA Season?
Back at the start of the season, who would have thought the image of a floored, grimacing Kenyon Martin in a New York Knicks uniform would feel like a roundhouse to the gut?
Arguably the best value free-agent pickup of the 2013 NBA season, Martin was outperforming everyone’s mildest and wildest expectations before picking up this “sprained ankle.”
He had become, behind Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith, the third-most critical factor in the Knicks’ second-half stabilization and ensuing dominance.
The Knicks’ back story all season has been age and injury, both of which opened the door for the yearning, yet almost-retired Martin (aged and oft-injured himself) to step in at the trade deadline.
New York dumped the increasingly unused Ronnie Brewer for a second-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder to make room for the big man.
Martin was picked up for insurance—before Amar’e Stoudemire went down—to shore up the rest of the wounded.
The result? Martin has essentially plugged the holes of five players and two positions over 18 games, 11 of which were during the 13-game win streak.
“With Marcus Camby (left plantar fasciitis), Rasheed Wallace (fractured left foot), Kurt Thomas (right foot stress reaction) and Amar’e Stoudemire (right knee surgery) out, Tyson Chandler sat [against the Washington Wizards] with a reoccurance of soreness from a bulging disc in his neck that recently kept him out of 10 games.” (via New York Post)
Martin has been starting in Chandler’s place: against the Wizards, in nine of the 11 games he played during the streak and two losses out West.
Though signed to a 10-day contract on Feb. 23, Martin saw action only once during its term—in the Feb. 27 win against the Golden State Warriors.
But with all the big men (but Stoudemire) hurting, he signed a second 10-day contract.
He became a permanent addition and game-impacting fixture when Stoudemire got hurt again on March 7. Since that time, Martin has played in 17 of the Knicks’ 19 games.
He has averaged 24 minutes per game, more than he did with the Los Angeles Clippers last year. Martin’s line per 36 minutes yields a more-than-respectable 11 points and eight rebounds (including 2.8 on the offensive end, second-best in his career).
His defensive play and fleetness, while not equal to his peak years, has been surprisingly youthful. He is blocking and stealing, at least statistically, as well as he ever did.
Martin has provided more than numbers, though. He has boosted team morale at just the right time. The Chicago Tribune took notice,
Kenyon Martin again sparked the team he joined a month ago … provid[ing] big plays on both ends of the court and an intensity the Knicks have needed. “It is contagious, but again, all I have ever known of him is that he plays with high energy and sometimes that rubs off,” Mike Woodson said of Martin. “Our defense has really picked up because he talks a lot and knows defensive rotations. He has been a major plus.”
The Knicks, behind GM Glen Grunwald, have been masters of the cheap, underestimated free-agent pickup during the last year. Well, they have to be.
Ronnie Brewer, Jason Kidd, Pablo Prigioni and Wallace have all contributed mightily at one point or another to the 50-plus season the Knicks, and their fans, are enjoying. All came relatively cheap.
For the first half of 2012-13, one could have argued that Wallace ($1.3M) was the NBA’s best value free-agent pickup.
But what makes Martin’s stint superior is timing (and he’s cheaper at about $430K). Wallace was signed to plug the hole left by Stoudemire early in the year. Martin came to plug the holes left by Wallace, Camby and Thomas, then filled in for Stoudemire and Chandler, too.
Martin joined just as the Knicks were falling apart—right after a four-game losing streak that straddled the All-Star Break. He started getting the nod in the midst of the Knicks’ horrific West Coast trip and helped turn things around.
The Knicks are 13-5 with Martin in the lineup and are now at their hottest heading into the postseason.
What about other free-agent pickups around the league? How does Martin’s impact compare with other value signings?
Derek Fisher (Oklahoma City Thunder), Josh Howard (Minnesota Timberwolves), Andray Blatche (Brooklyn Nets) and Nate Robinson (Chicago Bulls) are good examples.
But neither they, nor any of the other cheap, one-year deals on the complete list of 2012-13 free-agent transactions have been nearly as essential as Martin has been to the Knicks (or Wallace early on for that matter).
Alas, Martin’s season might be over. Or it might not be.
New York has been so clandestine about injuries that no one has any true idea of the severity of Martin’s injury or when he’ll be back.
The Knicks aren’t taking any chances. They’ve plucked James Singleton from China and will let Thomas go, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News,
Kurt Thomas will be released to create a roster spot for James Singleton, Daily News has learned. KT will have right foot surgery next week
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) April 10, 2013
But hopefully, Martin will be back for Round 1 where he will have the chance to cement his legacy as the best value free-agent pickup of 2012-13—and perhaps even earn a slightly more valuable contract for 2013-14.
He’s only 35. That’s like a kid in Knick years.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Knicks’ Kenyon Martin sprains ankle
The New York Knicks continued their winning ways last night against the Washington Wizards, but they lost a key player in the process. Knicks forward Kenyon Martin sprained his knee late during last night’s contest, and coach Mike Woodson told reporters — including Ian Begley of ESPN New York — that the big man won’t possibly won’t play Thursday against the Chicago Bulls.Mike Woodson says there is a “possibility” that Kenyon Martin will miss Thursday’s game against Chicago. #Knicks— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) April 10, 2013 Martin sustained the injury while going up for a rebound in the fourth quarter of last night’s blowout win. X-rays were negative, but it appears unlikely that Martin will suit up for the Knicks tomorrow against the Bulls. He was already suffering a sore left knee.I never like to second-guess coaches, but Woodson is likely to hear it for having the veteran Martin on the floor during the fourth quarter of a blowout.The Knicks are the hottest team in the NBA
View full post on Yardbarker: NBA
The New York Knicks should shelve Kenyon Martin until the playoffs commence on April 20
With the New York Knicks reenergized power forward battling a knee ailment, Kenyon Martin is listed as day-to-day and there is no timetable for his return. The 35-year-old Martin, drafted by the New Jersey Nets out of the University of Cincinnati first overall in 2000, has greatly bolstered the Knicks (50-26) depleted frontcourt since joining the squad on February 23. As Amar’e Stoudemire, Rasheed Wallace, Marcus Camby and Tyson Chandler have struggled to remain on the hardwood due to injuries, the 6-foot-9, 240 pound Martin has averaged 7.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 17 contests as a Knick. … Continue reading →
View full post on Yardbarker: NBA
Kenyon Martin Puts Chris “Birdman” Anderson On A Poster
Kenyon Martin threw down a powerful two-handed dunk on his former teammate Chris “Birdman” Anderson during the Knicks over the Heat.
Early in the fourth quarter, Knicks point guard Raymond Felton drove the baseline, drawing three Heat players to him, which left a streaking Martin wide open in the middle of the lane. Felton dumped the ball off to Martin who finished with authority over Anderson.
The Knick’s went on to defeat the Heat comfortably thanks to Carmelo Anthony’s 50-point performance.
[Beyond the Buzzer]
Article found on: Next Impulse Sports
View full post on Yardbarker: NBA
Kenyon Martin rips Celtics
BOSTON — Through all the Celtics’ struggles early in the season, when they were incapable of protecting the rim on defense and seemed to suffer a double-digit deficit on the glass in every game, Kenyon Martin was waiting for their call. He was out there, available as a free agent until late February, yet a match was never made. Martin was in TD Garden on Tuesday, but it was not as a member of the Celtics. After several teams reportedly took fliers on the veteran big man, he finally settled with the Knicks on a 10-day contract last month. Another 10-day contract later, Martin received an extension with New York through the end of the season and has been a pivotal member of the team ever since. He was all over the parquet against the Celtics, scoring nine points and nabbing four offensive rebounds to help the Knicks batter the shorthanded Celtics 100-85. Afterward, it was clear that Martin harbors some ill will toward the Celtics, who could use a big body with experience now that Kevi…
View full post on Yardbarker: NBA
Kenyon Martin Says He’s Not in Game Shape, He’s in Treadmill Shape
Former No. 1 overall NBA draft pick Kenyon Martin is beginning a new adventure this week as a member of the New York Knicks.
Recently, the 35-year-old signed a 10-day contract with the club and has yet to touch the court. Martin had a few comedic words on his shape and current status this morning at the Knicks’ shootaround.
See what Martin has to say about his body and how excited he is to be back on the court in this video!
Do you think he will contribute to the team? Let us know in the comments below!
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Kenyon Martin joins Knicks after Ronnie Brewer trade
The New York Knicks dealt Ronnie Brewer to the Oklahoma City Thunder to open a roster spot.
View full post on USATODAY.com Feed
Knicks Reportedly Sign Free Agent Kenyon Martin to 10-Day Contract
Veteran power forward Kenyon Martin is finally off the NBA‘s version of the unemployment line. According to Yahoo! Sports’ Marc J. Spears, Martin and the New York Knicks agreed Thursday to a 10-day contract:
The Knicks were able to make this move thanks to a trade prior to the deadline that sent Ronnie Brewer to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a second-round pick (per Spears). They were at the NBA roster limit of 15 prior to trading Brewer, and shipping him off to Oklahoma City freed up a spot for Martin.
However, New York was not the only team seemingly in the mix for Martin. The Miami Heat seemed to leap ahead of other suitors after trading Dexter Pittman and a second-round choice to the Memphis Grizzlies for the rights to European player Ricky Sanchez (per SportsCenter‘s Twitter feed). It was then reported by Legion Sports’ Twitter feed that the Heat were “atop” the list to sign Martin:
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also noted that the Heat were in contact with Martin, but that they planned on waiting until Mar. 1 to assess their options.
Though it’s unclear whether the interest was tangible or not, Thursday marked a stark paradigm shift for the 35-year-old forward. Unemployed for the entire 2012-13 season, Martin spoke at length about his struggles to find an NBA gig. He made it abundantly clear that his reputation as a malcontent personality preceded him, and told Spears in November that the characterization was “not accurate.”
The Knicks will certainly get to find out over the next week-and-a-half. Martin could instantly get playing time in Mike Woodson’s rotation, as New York’s front line has been depleted by injuries this season. Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace remain out of the lineup, and the Knicks could certainly use some toughness inside.
Martin isn’t the same player he once was, but toughness is something he never lacked. While with the Los Angeles Clippers last season, Martin averaged career-low counting stats (5.2 PPG and 4.3 RPG) but was an integral force to the Clippers’ interior defense—especially in the postseason.
If all goes well, Martin may be able to do the same for New York this season. Still, getting through these first 10 days will be critical to the former All-Star’s return.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Heat Rumors: Miami Reportedly in Contact with Kenyon Martin
The Miami Heat sent big man Dexter Pittman to the Memphis Grizzlies to free up a roster spot on Thursday, and that opening could very well be filled by Kenyon Martin.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has the news:
Let’s take a closer look at this newest development and what it means for both sides.
What it Means
This isn’t exactly surprising. Miami’s need for a big man who can rebound and play defense has been well documented, and with a roster spot now freed up, filling that void via free agency makes sense.
Martin is undoubtedly among the best that market has to offer.
The 35-year-old veteran isn’t exactly an offensive weapon anymore, but he would give Erik Spoelstra’s squad the toughness and defense it desires.
In 42 games last season for the Los Angeles Clippers, Martin averaged 22.4 minutes per game. During that time, he compiled 4.3 rebounds, one steal and one block per contest.
On the surface, those numbers aren’t staggering, but his steal and block percentages were the best he has put up during his 12-year career, and when he was on the court, the Clippers’ defense was over four points per 100 possessions better than when he was off it.
This would be the type of under-the-radar signing that wins championships.
What’s Next?
Windhorst states that the Heat won’t make a move until March 1, but it became clear just an hour before the trade deadline that Miami values an open roster spot.
It wouldn’t make much sense not to fill it somehow.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
Knicks Rumors: Could Kenyon Martin Finally Be on His Way to New York?
After failing to bring him in over the summer, the New York Knicks are once again exploring the idea of signing free-agent forward Kenyon Martin.
According to ESPN, the Knicks have K-Mart in their sights, primarily because of the trouble surrounding Rasheed Wallace’s injured foot.
Sheed has been missing for 12 games now due to the injury, which is particularly alarming as it was initially considered a minor issue. After a couple of years in retirement, there’s a good chance that the physical grind of the NBA could be getting the better of Wallace.
Back in September, the Knicks were initially interested in Martin, but it appears that talks broke down due to the team only having the veteran’s minimum to offer the former Net.
Since then, however, Martin hasn’t received a better offer elsewhere and has been holding out in the hope that he eventually would. As it turns out, the wait has just been too long, and Martin wants a chance to prove his worth on a 10-day contract.
With 15 players already on the roster, the Knicks would have to cut a player to bring in Martin. But looking at the squad, it’s hard to pick out who that player would be.
As Ian Begley notes on his column, the Knicks’ primary candidates have to be Wallace, Chris Copeland, James White and Kurt Thomas, who are all on veteran’s minimum deals and have been in and out of the rotation.
At this point, it would be insane for the Knicks to get rid of Copeland. They’ve found a player that can score well in the NBA if nothing else, and even at the age of 28 has some upside moving forward.
Over the course of the regular season, there’s a good chance that Copeland will emerge as a very important member of the Knicks’ bench, making him relatively untouchable in this situation.
White doesn’t appear to be quite as talented as other members of the roster, but his athleticism and durability make him a useful player. On a team filled with older players, it’s important to have a guy that will always be able to step in and provide consistent play, even if it’s not spectacular to watch.
As dependable as he is, it may make the most sense for Thomas to be the odd one out here. He plays the same position as Martin, who could then act simply as a direct upgrade.
But as Begley‘s article indicates, it all really comes down to the status of Rasheed Wallace. After all the Knicks did to bring him here, there’s no way they would cut him outright for another player.
Looking at his relationship with Coach Woodson—which stretches back to their days in Detroit—there’s no way the team could do that to him after all the work he put in to get back in basketball shape.
If it looks like he’ll be out for a while, but back eventually, they may then look at cutting another player. If the injury is worse than that, however, then maybe—and this is pure speculation—we could be looking at retirement and an advisory role like the one Baron Davis has taken.
Sheed‘s importance to the Knicks comes from more of a leadership standpoint than from his actual presence of the court, so a situation where a space is made for Martin and Wallace is still there in some capacity could work.
Whether or not there is space for Martin right now, there’s no denying that he could help the team out. It’s actually quite amazing that he’s even still available at this point.
Martin would bring defense, rebounding and unrivalled toughness, which could be valuable in the more physical games the Knicks have struggled in this season.
As a former teammate of six Knicks players, chemistry would not be an issue on his side, and he’s someone who—assuming he’s in shape—could be slotted into the rotation immediately.
This isn’t a move the Knicks should feel they have to make, as their roster is already one of the deepest in the entire league. But if they feel they can make an upgrade without disrupting chemistry, then it could be yet another savvy move from Glen Grunwald.
Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com
View full post on Bleacher Report – NBA
