Just wondering what everyone thinks of baby K-Mart. He didn't have many expectations coming into the league, but he's already one of the most entertaining players I've seen (no one could look at that guy and think he could dunk the way he does). Anyway, this whole year he's been a perfect fill in for whoever's injured on the Kings (Peja pre-trade, Bonzi, etc), but can he keep developing to be a full-time starter/contributor? Will he ever be able to dominate being so skinny? Discuss.
Kevin as a starter has been running at a 17.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.0 spg clip, AND he's shooting 53% FG, 48% 3FG, and 88% from the charity stripe. To put this into perspective for all the people that don't think this is impressive lets take a look at Bonzi Wells as a starter who has arguably been the best King this year. Bonzi gives us 14.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.8 spg, BUT he's shooting 46% FG, 20% 3FG, and only 64% from the line. Bonzi also is "giving" us 2.7 turnovers each outing. I generally agree with everything you said. He didn't have many expectations but he worked his ass off (5 hour workouts a day) with a personal trainer during the off-season. He is already averaging over 10 points (This would be alot higher but due to him not getting as many minutes with Bonzi starting, it's not). His 3 point shooting has improved dramatically, with him actually being a big threat if left open from 3 point land. Lately he has developed a sweet runner/floater in the lane and with his athleticism and speed it is hard to block. He is skinny, but look at Rip Hamilton. Look at all the skinny players who never let that stop them. Actually, K-Mart is becoming similar to Rip with his speed and little runner in the lane (obviously Rip is alot better at this point at alot of thing but Kevin will get there if he keeps working). He is already more athletic than Rip. By the way, the numbers I posted above are him as a starter. And he's doing all that averaging just 9.5 shots a game. Pretty amazing for a young player that was laughed at for being in the NBA (with his body and frame) last year.
Hopefully he's patient because you know sooner or later Bonzi will lose it and be traded. Has a real future if he finally gets a chance to start permanently.
From an ESPN Insider article by John Hollinger on NBA sophs (http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insid...ohn&id=2333493) : Quote: Originally Posted by John Hollinger Kevin Martin, Kings (8.67 to 15.44) The "other" K-Mart, this Martin got a chance with Bonzi Wells's injury and ran with it, injecting much needed athleticism to the Kings' attack. He's also been surprisingly consistent with an awkward jumper that provides basketball's answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In fact, Martin's .633 True Shooting Percentage leads the NBA True Shooting Percentage accounts for 3 point percentage and free throws. Kevin Martin. Leading the league. Nice piece of information. He has really developed and will get even better with more expierence.
It's too bad he got left out of the Rookie Challenge, I'd say he's been playing well enough to warrant a spot.
But then if K-Mart the 2nd made it that would have been a Kings player participating in All Star weekend, and we all know David Stern isnt having that. Old Stern Started his boycott last year when he decided Rashard Lewis deserved a spot more than Chris Webber who had better numbers AND received player of the month honors. No Kings in the All Star game for 2 years straight...hate,Hate,HATE!!! EDIT; I dont care what anyone says about fan voting blah blah blah, David Stern has it out for the Kings.
Last night Kevin Martin tied his career high in scoring - 25 points. I think he's done that 3 or 4 times now, not sure. All I know is we have a quality young player who is already playing exceptionally well. Although he has struggled on the road, I am willing to over-look this because of his youth and lack of expierence. He has been thrown into the rotation this year and has done so much to stay in it. The Kings would be mad to trade K-Mart now. I'm very happy for him, all his hard work is paying off. We (Kings fans) have a lot to look forward to in the future from this stud.
