Power forward Kenyon Martin is returning to the NBA and the San Antonio Spurs are on the small list of teams in line to land him. League sources told Yahoo! Sports that Martin is being courted by the Spurs along with the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks.
Martin is an unrestricted free agent and now has clearance to re-join the NBA after signing in China this season along with fellow former Denver Nuggets players J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler and Aaron Brooks of the Phoenix Suns. Those guys are still playing in China, however, whereas Martin left the country and received a FIBA ruling allowing him back in the NBA.
According to a report from Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski, Martin has already met with the Clippers and is meeting with the Hawks on Thursday. The timeline for a decision is expected to be fast with Martin agreeing to terms this weekend and taking a physical on Monday.
Martin is 34-years-old and averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds with the Nuggets lat season. His addition to the Spurs would add veteran front court depth from a proven defender.
0 recs | 39 comments
I hope we get him, we truly need someone on this team who possess the ability to rack up technical fouls.
All kidding aside, maybe? I think even at his age he could bring some toughness and defense. You know defense, that thing that prevents the other teams from scoring, something we tend to forget watching the Spurs at times.
Outkastprince - February 2, 2012
I have no clue of what you’re talking about.
Bakkie009 - February 2, 2012
jollyroger likes this.
J.R. Wilco - February 2, 2012
I believe we can easily make up for our lack of technicals by having Kawhi tell Timmy some jokes while Joey Crawford is officiating.
Kawhi: Hey Timmy, how many hipsters does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Timmy: I don’t know, how many?
Kawhi: It’s a very rare number, you’ve probably never heard of it.
Timmy: Hah.
Crawford: Whistles Technical foul!
the little o - February 2, 2012
Well played, TLO.
J.R. Wilco - February 2, 2012
Martin would not necessarily be bad, but judging from our competition, I doubt we’ll get him.
the little o - February 2, 2012
I think we have a decent shot. Out of all the other teams, he would probably get the most minutes/have the biggest impact with us. If he cares about playing time, we should be on the top of his list. He could walk on and start in front of Blair Day 1. (I know Pop would never do that, but he could replace him eventually.)
Fred Silva - February 2, 2012
I think he would rather go to a “true” contender, up his market value by winning a chip, and then sign his last bloated contract before he retires.
the little o - February 2, 2012
Atlanta would also offer him plenty of playing time. More than the Spurs even. And the Clippers too. My guess is he either signs with the Clippers or the Heat
Edg5 - February 2, 2012
Not going to happen. Have a better chance of getting Wilson Chandler or JR SMith, but that’s not happening either.
grego21 - February 2, 2012
Kenyon Martin is expected to have a role simular to Antonio McDyess the past few seasons… and as others have mentioned its unlikely that he will sign with the Spurs.. the competition is fierce
jdelsandro - February 2, 2012
i think he’ll end up as a paperclipper for these reasons alone
1. former team mate chauncey billups is there
2. i hear clippers can offer him the most $$$
3. LOB CITY
Starscream210 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Actually, the Spurs can offer the most, but they won’t, which is why he won’t be a Spur.
wildcat110 - February 2, 2012
Plus:
He owns a home in California!!
TrooperJoe73 - February 2, 2012
Come on
Remember the good old days
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT8qa7f0O_M
cuentaluis1 - February 2, 2012
Gosh, we need Manu back to throw lobs at RJ. He’s been MIA lately. At this point, I’d take mildly crabby.
the little o - February 2, 2012
Used to LOVE me some Kenyon!.. I could again…
In the 666 - February 2, 2012 via mobile
Meh.
Big50 - February 2, 2012
Double Meh. In fact.
Meh².
J.R. Wilco - February 2, 2012
I doubt the Spurs get Martin or Kaman. Fans want them, so it won’t happen. The real possibility is Kaman. Trade Blair/Joseph/Anderson for Kaman.
TrooperJoe73 - February 2, 2012
are you insane right?
Chilai - February 2, 2012
I’m not legally obligated to answer that!
TrooperJoe73 - February 2, 2012
The rowel of the spur compels you.
J.R. Wilco - February 2, 2012
Pass.
indiancharlie - February 2, 2012
It seems to me people here are forgetting that Kenyon has evolved into a damn good role player. He knows his role, defends expertly, takes good shots and doesnt complain. He is a bit of a knucklehead, but he seems worse than he really is. I think we have a place for a knucklehead on the team, If I remember correctly we won a championship with Stephen “imightbeascrazyasron” Jackson.
For a mini mid level exception, he is really a bargain and fills a need. Our 4’s (Bonner and Blair) are some of the worst defenders in the NBA. And kenyon can play the 5 also. Just dont ask him to create or rebound, he sucks at it.
Chilai - February 2, 2012
I don’t think “most” people forget, just that it’s hard thinking about something that’s not bound to happened. But I agree with you, would love to have the guy on the cheap and perhaps just maybe, he’ll join us here in San Antonio.
Outkastprince - February 2, 2012
Good point, Chilai. Martin has turned into a good role player and he never was the knucklehead JR is. I dont think we get him, but his toughness and defensive mindset would be a good addition to the Spurs.
CapHill - February 3, 2012 via Android app
I would not be opposed to getting him, if he’s cheap, and has the right attitude. A bit of attitude on the floor wouldn’t be the worst thing for us.
Ed (dfjmed) - February 2, 2012
Personally, I would rather have Martin than Kaman, though I think the odds are good we won’t get either of them. I don’t really want to trade away any of our exciting young pieces for Kaman, who I don’t think is a great fit. He is a very good scorer, but not a great defender or rebounder. If we can acquire Martin without giving up anyone, then send some youngin’s to Austin for further seasoning, it’s a win-win. Martin would provide some needed muscle and defense.
This is my very uninformed opinion, and maybe I am wrong as can be.
quincyscott - February 2, 2012
Either Kaman or Martin would be fine. I just think the Spurs don’t have a good chance of getting either. Martin might choose the Clippers, the Heat or even the Hawks over the Spurs IMO. As for Kaman, the Spurs don’t have the contracts to pull off a trade. Best case scenario, the Hornets can’t find a trade partner and buy out Kaman, like the Raptors did with Peja. If that happens, I like the Spurs’ chances of getting him with the mini mid-level.
Edg5 - February 2, 2012
Kaman is overpriced and Martin will probably go to the Heat
Kondor - February 3, 2012
I agree.
I think Martin would fit great, but I dont see him chosing the spurs
Chilai - February 3, 2012
You dont chose the Spurs. The Spurs chose you.
But srsly, I thought everyone in here said Kaman doesnt even defend.
alamobro - February 3, 2012
He can probably still defend for 10-15 minutes a game, and I don’t think we should play him for much more (in an unlikely scenario that we get him). His may be the most useful attribute is that the guy is nasty. We are sometimes just too nice, especially our bigs, all nice guys. I still cannot understand how we never made a single hard foul on Dragic.
Kondor - February 3, 2012
Now that he’s chosen the Clips, and there’s no chance of him wearing the silver and black, I guess I could have seen him in the Drew Gooden/Kevin Willis role.
J.R. Wilco - February 3, 2012
We knew it was not going to happen because we talked about it.
Kondor - February 5, 2012
I don’t care where he goes, as long as he gives me at least 30 fan points per game. :P
Ayatollah - February 3, 2012
He chose the Clippers.
Tim C. - February 3, 2012
Here’s what I think of that.
J.R. Wilco - February 3, 2012
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