Kenyon Martin Jr. had untraditional journey to the NBA Houston Rockets vs. Brooklyn Nets. He averaged 20 points and eight rebounds per game at Academy, which helped him to draw praise for his athleticism. Further, he is a recipient of a three-star recruit from Sierra Canyon School who played alongside Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cassius Stanley. Kenyon Lee Martin Jr., a.k.a. Martin produced 15 points (6-13 FG, 3-5 3Pt), seven rebounds and one assist in 34 minutes during Wednesday's 123-114 loss to the Nets. In Houston, hes been asked to do a few things on that end: fill the lanes when necessary, spot up in the corners for spacing purposes and, interestingly enough, serve as a small-ball big. Kenyon Martin Net Worth 2023: Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Kids, ''No matter how bad the day is going, to see him smile would put a smile on anybody's face,'' Martin said. Then LaMelo Ball, brother of New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball, followed suit by signing a two-year deal with the NBLs Illawarra Hawks, based in New South Wales, Australia. He also learned a lot by watching his dad play. Im kind of my own person, KJ told FOX 26 Sports on Nov. 25. Not being scared of the moment just taking it in and playing hard. The most obvious example being the Curry brothers. Financial terms for Martins contract were not disclosed, but he is believed to be making the NBAs minimum salary. Kenyon MartinNet Worth 2023: Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Kids, Bio-Wiki, Yes (Kamron Martin, Cierra Reign Martin, Kenyon Martin Jr). I love it that he wants to have his own identitybecause his game is different than mine, Kenyon said. My name, that name, doesnt mean anything, Kenyon said. Me and Kevin being able to gel with each other, figure out each others game. Her brother, Marty Harmon, was a freshman at Kent State when his team was playing Malone's Louisiana Tech team on Dec. 19, 1981. You average a double-double on two state championship teams and they have you ranked 237th? Martin Jr. (fully named Kenyon KJ Lee Martin Jr.) was born on January 6, 2001, under the star sign Capricorn. Teacher Appreciation Week 2023: Freebies and deals offered for educators, EXPLORE THE MENU: Latin Bites Kitchen in Houston, Shocking details revealed during 'Doomsday mom' Lori Vallow's murder trial: Live updates, First Republic Bank seized by regulators, sold to JPMorgan Chase, DEADLY SHOOTING: Man shot multiple times in Houston gas station parking lot. In the rookie season, he averaged 12 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. ''I'm here to play basketball,'' Martin said today after practice. But according to a former college teammate of Martin Sr., father and son share traits that transcend their differing paths Athleticism is the obvious one, but theres a stark similarity in their work ethic, toughness, willingness to play defense and on-court swagger. Im ecstatic.. The only personal thing known about Martin Jr is he is dating. So I feel like I have that step on a lot of other guys in this draft this year. Martin clarified that he goes by KJ, rather than Kenyon (his fathers name), to avoid confusion. Heres Martins summary from the Rookie Wire big board: Kenyon Martin Jr. tested well at the combine, recording a 3/4 sprint and max vert both well above-average for his position. I tell my son all the time, Im proud of him.. So to see his growth and to see the time that he put into it and for him to not tune me out and to listen when Im helping him, when Im criticizing him when Im critiquing him, all those things, he never tuned me out, because it was all to help him accomplish his goals and that was to make it to the NBA. And Kenyon enjoyed helping his son become the player that he is. Me being me nice and sugarcoating it is not helping you.. The marriage was attended by the family, friends, and relatives including Martin Sr's son, Martin Jr and his Kamron, and Cierra Reign. His energy helped a lot, and that is what Im trying to bring to my game, energy, and try to help in any way my team needs.. None of us had a daddy, no father, no male figure in the house. He was excited to be on the court and his energy level showed it, Martin Sr. told The Undefeated. Perhaps some of that progress takes longer than intended. Kenyon Martin Jr Whether its switching onto small guys containing the basketball, helping and getting those amazing blocked shots, rebounding above the fray. In 2015, Martin signed a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks and later signed for the whole season. Martin can lift from the corner for quick-hitting plays like this, knowing Luka Doncic isnt going to follow him on a slip. Martin's vicious fouls, on Karl Malone in December and on Tracy McGrady in January, his primal screams after dunks and his angry stares at any player who elbows him or at any referee who calls a foul on him will be the lasting images of Martin's second pro season, even though they are contrary to his identity off the court. When you watch him play, he seems wary of holding on to the ball too long if hes not cutting or calling for an alley. Martin Sr. worried that his son might depart to go live with his mother after being punished. But there was never a question of flagrant fouls.''. Along with sharing a name, Kenyon Martin Jr. and his father share a similar style of play as well. Former NBA No. In his entire career, he was the part of six teams including New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks. Instead of swinging his arms at opponents, he has balled his fists to control his temper. She taught Martin and his sister, Tamara, to be generous and tolerant but never to show weakness. Martin supports several non-profit organizations that help the poor and children. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. Kenyon Martin Jr. won't wind up as the No. Its kind of sad. Whether its switching onto small guys containing the basketball, helping and getting those amazing blocked shots, rebounding above the fray. Im a fan, Kenyon said. Books before basketball: Kenyon Martin schools his son on the importance of academics. December 23, 2016. WebMartin was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on December 30, 1977, to Lydia Moore, a single mother of two. The Rockets want to maximize Martin while hes on the floor. He has an elder sister, Tamara, who watched him when their mother went to work. In 2005, he became an active member of The Stuttering Foundation of America and had served as an honorary Ambassador for the March of Dimes Colorado Chapter. For me, I felt like it was good and for him also being on the same team and coming up together.. His sister often watched him while their mom worked two jobs to make ends meet. Like father, like son: KJ Martin follows in his dad's footsteps ''That's kind of ironic.''. That is, uh, pretty good. Our communication is better. No doubt, we need him like he's been all season. Its indescribable. LAS VEGAS Kenyon Martin was the No. The NBA has been yearning for a well-known high school player to take the G League route, and Martin Jr. is very open-minded about that possibility. ''I didn't do anything and he tried to kill me,'' McGrady said. It was laziness, Martin Jr. told The Undefeated. It can be quite demanding growing up in an NBA household, especially one where your fathers name carries so much weight. I took it personal, Martin Jr. said. ''That's just not his style,'' Martin said. He had his own trainer, and mostly picked up lessons from Martin Sr. and his NBA teammates through observation. And in that regard, Silas is happy with what he sees from Martin Jr. Hes impressed in a lot of different aspects, Silas added. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. OFFICIAL: The Rockets today announced they acquired the rights to rookie guard KJ Martin Jr. from Sacramento in exchange for cash considerations and a future L.A. Lakers second round pick attained via trade with Detroit. Try a week on us. Hes on my back telling me what to do, but its to help me, Martin Jr. said. Curious about their moves, Martin Jr. called them both to ask about their decisions. It couldnt be better for him. Further, he holds an American nationality and belongs to the Afro-American ethnic background. Theres a certain art to dunking, one that separates itself from a crazy stepback or a flashy pass. WebFormer Denver Nugget Kenyon Martin discusses George Karl's remarks about him growing up without a father. Just working on getting my shot off the dribble, continuing to make my shot more consistent and building on myself as a basketball player, Martin said. Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr. (6) dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center, Sunday, April 4, 2021. Hell get minutes and chances to develop. As his career progresses, the next step is to flesh out the rest of his offensive game. You cant put him in a situation where he is not going to be all in. , Martin Sr. said he initially broke the news to Stackhouse but also made his son call him because he needed to hear from him., [Stackhouse] was upset, Martin Jr. said. Martin Kenyon Martin Jr.: Family & Career [2023 Update] - Players Bio Kawhi Leonard and Paul George pull off ultimate power move. FILE: Kenyon Martin Jr. (L) of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers shares a moment with his father, Kenyon Martin Sr. (R), after their victory against the Etiwanda Eagles for the CIF State Regional Finals on March 17, 2018 in Long Beach, California. Kenyon Martin Jr. | Houston Rockets | NBA.com How Kenyon Martin is supporting his sons decision to skip 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. That approach has carried over to the league. Embarrassment came with it, too. Martin Sr. was a bruising power forward bigger, thicker and with a vastly different game. In July 2015, he announced his retirement from professional basketball. Everyone calls my dad Kenyon. He is a two-time First-team All-Conference USA. Did you do that? It helps a lot. Former Denver Nugget Kenyon Martin discusses George Karl's remarks about him growing up without a father. Now he is going out there on his own; his brother [LiAngelo] wont be there. Hes getting there. This is his career. Martin Sr. responded strongly and swiftly by taking his son out of Oaks Christian School after the first semester. I know what I see. With Porter and Wall sidelined, rookie Kenyon Martin Jr. becomes a bankable building block in both redraft and daily fantasy competitions. That's the way our family has always been.''. While Martin has played well defensively for the most part, his offensive production ultimately will elongate his NBA tenure. WebRelatives: Son Kenyon Martin Jr. College: Cincinnati. The big thing is just getting up there, using my athleticism. Just getting better at my whole game. ''I don't think, from Kenyon's standpoint, he's trying to hurt somebody. The wait continues for Michael Porter Jr. Kendrick Perkins on Kevin Durant: Finally, he got his own team. Kenyon Martin Jr Obviously, defensive rotations help your team out but its a natural instinct from here, Martin said. Martin Jr. instead accepted his sentence, saying it was my mistake and worked to get better. I would have to see how Im feeling at the time but it would be a cool thing to do., Thats one of those deals where, as a scout and I was over there scouting him at the time you look at it and say he doesnt have the size like his dad, but he has the athleticism like and plays hard. Moore's mother died in December, while Martin was dealing with his suspension after his foul on Malone. ''I don't tell him to get mad,'' his mother said. Kenyon Martin: George Karl disrespected my mother with his Martin is listed as questionable for Friday's game versus the Pistons due to a left hip flexor strain. Probably the most improved on our team, Silas said of Martin. I just think he has tremendous upside, the skys the limit for him. KJ is beginning his career as a rookie forward with the Houston Rockets. But that has also never deterred him. There, he has been able to join one of the NBA's brightest young cores headlined by top picks Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. Martin Sr. told he supported his son's decision to skip college and go professional: "I just asked him was he sure. [1] And if Martin Jr. takes his talents overseas, his father plans to be by his side. He's the guy who gets a lot of us going.''. ''If I see it getting out of hand with the referees, then I'm going to go off on them. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads | EU Privacy Rights | Cookie Policy | Manage Preferences. He might intimidate people at times, but that's how he plays. ''He got the emotion from me and he got the mouth, too,'' she said, adding tearfully: ''I know my son is not a violent person. Martin Sr. worried that his son might depart to go live with his mother after being punished. The Chatsworth, California, native has also been playing against professionals at the Drew League in Los Angeles and in pickup games at UCLA. He developed chemistry with Kevin Porter Jr., excelled in running the floor (1.064 points per possession) and also when deployed as a small-ball big (1.04 points per possession). My son is there. In 2011, Martin became a free agent and signed a one-year contract with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association. ''I tell him, 'Play your heart out.' What's more, in 2016, Martin Jr's father tied the knot with his girlfriend, Shakira Watson on a luxurious yacht off the coast of Miami, where the bride walked down the aisle in a black dress and veil, dismissing the usual white option. I remember his energy the most, he said. I can articulate it to somebody who never played it, somebody whos played it, coaches, media, whoever. Kenyon Martin Kenyon Lee Martin Sr. was born on December 30, 1977, in Saginaw, Michigan, to a single mother. Nowadays, guys his size can play multiple positions so it works out for him.
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