Kenyon Martin has yet to receive even an non-guaranteed offer from an NBA team after playing last season with the Clippers, reports Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports. The 12-year veteran spoke with Yahoo, expressing confusion over the lack interest for his services. Martin says that there is a misconception within NBA circles that he is difficult that is a result of his notoriously emotional and competitive play.
Martin told Spears, “There is a notion about me that is not accurate at all – I don’t know who started it or where it came from – that people can’t control me. I don’t understand. Have I had my issues like a lot of other people? Yeah. But I’m getting back that people think they can’t control me, that if I don’t play I’m going to explode, or I can turn a locker room.”
Martin also said that he was hoping to latch on with a contender, but now a week into the season, he will sign with the next NBA team that gives him an offer. After playing a portion of last season in China, Martin signed with the Clippers in February and averaged 5.2 points and 4.3 boards in 22.4 minutes per game as Blake Griffin‘s backup.
Blazers general manager Neil Olshey, who was with the Clippers last year, had nothing but good things to say about Martin, making it even more puzzling as to why the Cincinnati product has been unable to find a home.
Olshey said: “We don’t win the Memphis series [without Martin] and we certainly wouldn’t have finished as high as fifth in the Western Conference without Martin. His ability to impact the game by guarding multiple positions, switching pick-and-rolls, blocking shots and protecting the rim was an element we really didn’t have and it made us unique. I was thrilled with Kenyon in Los Angeles. He was a good teammate.”
Expect interest in Martin to pick up as teams have a better idea of their needs or have injury issues. Spears says that the Knicks, Lakers, Mavericks, Nets, Hawks and Spurs all checked in on Martin this offseason.
Is it really that hard for K-Mart to figure out why nobody’s offered him a contract? He values himself a lot higher than teams do, obviously, and nobody is willing to commit their mini-mle to him because he’s not worth it.
The Lakers should sign him, he’s a good defender and rebounder of the bench. will help guard OKC. hes way better than Jordan Hill or the weak bench lakers have..
You obviously haven’t seen Hill play. Hes the ONLY good thing on the Lakers bench.
Spurs need to sign hom up, he would work perfect in the pop system
5 points and 4 rebounds in 22 minutes a game just doesn’t really suggest you can really do the job anymore K-mart. And asking who started the feeling you’re a pain in …. You did, silly! None the less, I’d take him on the Lakers bench; just for that fire cracker mentality and emotion we need off the bench..
Good for him when the knicks ask him to play for the min (because thats all they could give him he didnt want that) now he is siting at home so yea Good for him
Lakers Need to sign cuz our D looks a lil slow this season