Kenyon Martin Returning To NBA, San Antonio Spurs Interested In His Talents

by SB Nation NBA News on Feb 2, 2012 3:07 PM CST in Spurs News

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.

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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.

by Outkastprince on Feb 2, 2012 3:13 PM CST reply actions

I have no clue of what you’re talking about.

"That’s cool." - Duncan on his near quadruple-double in game 6 of the 2003 NBA Finals.

by Bakkie009 on Feb 2, 2012 3:18 PM CST up reply actions

jollyroger likes this.

The 2012 season: the Spurs have a chance, but only if Manu can be Manu in the playoffs. - CapHill
Pounding the Rock

by J.R. Wilco on Feb 2, 2012 5:39 PM CST up reply actions

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!

You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime

by the little o on Feb 2, 2012 3:28 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

’ve probably never heard of it.

Well played, TLO.

The 2012 season: the Spurs have a chance, but only if Manu can be Manu in the playoffs. - CapHill
Pounding the Rock

by J.R. Wilco on Feb 2, 2012 5:40 PM CST up reply actions

Martin would not necessarily be bad, but judging from our competition, I doubt we’ll get him.

You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime

by the little o on Feb 2, 2012 3:29 PM CST reply actions

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.)

"GINOBILI!" -- Sir Charles

by Fred Silva on Feb 2, 2012 3:36 PM CST up reply actions

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.

You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime

by the little o on Feb 2, 2012 3:45 PM CST up reply actions

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

"Manu Ginobili is the ultimate human cheat code, the password to the rim."
-Alex Dewey

by Edg5 on Feb 2, 2012 3:47 PM CST up reply actions

Not going to happen. Have a better chance of getting Wilson Chandler or JR SMith, but that’s not happening either.

Winter is coming

by grego21 on Feb 2, 2012 3:45 PM CST reply actions

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

"Performance comes from work and dedication, belief and strength. Words and excuses get you nowhere." -Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves Rightfielder

by jdelsandro on Feb 2, 2012 3:47 PM CST reply actions

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

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best -Tim Duncan

by Starscream210 on Feb 2, 2012 3:54 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Actually, the Spurs can offer the most, but they won’t, which is why he won’t be a Spur.

by wildcat110 on Feb 2, 2012 3:59 PM CST up reply actions

Plus:

He owns a home in California!!

"Why didn't we draft Julyan Stone?" TJ73

by TrooperJoe73 on Feb 2, 2012 4:54 PM CST up reply actions

Come on
Remember the good old days
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WT8qa7f0O_M

by cuentaluis1 on Feb 2, 2012 3:59 PM CST reply actions

Gosh, we need Manu back to throw lobs at RJ. He’s been MIA lately. At this point, I’d take mildly crabby.

You are only young once, but you can be immature for a lifetime

by the little o on Feb 2, 2012 4:07 PM CST up reply actions

Used to LOVE me some Kenyon!.. I could again…

by In the 666 on Feb 2, 2012 4:00 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Meh.

by Big50 on Feb 2, 2012 4:49 PM CST reply actions

Double Meh. In fact.

Meh².

The 2012 season: the Spurs have a chance, but only if Manu can be Manu in the playoffs. - CapHill
Pounding the Rock

by J.R. Wilco on Feb 2, 2012 5:45 PM CST up reply actions

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.

"Why didn't we draft Julyan Stone?" TJ73

by TrooperJoe73 on Feb 2, 2012 4:54 PM CST reply actions

are you insane right?

my mom (who doesnt know a lick about basketball): "that guy is anything but World Peace"

by Chilai on Feb 2, 2012 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

I’m not legally obligated to answer that!

"Why didn't we draft Julyan Stone?" TJ73

by TrooperJoe73 on Feb 2, 2012 5:39 PM CST up reply actions

The rowel of the spur compels you.

The 2012 season: the Spurs have a chance, but only if Manu can be Manu in the playoffs. - CapHill
Pounding the Rock

by J.R. Wilco on Feb 2, 2012 5:46 PM CST up reply actions

Pass.

by indiancharlie on Feb 2, 2012 4:55 PM CST reply actions

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.

my mom (who doesnt know a lick about basketball): "that guy is anything but World Peace"

by Chilai on Feb 2, 2012 4:59 PM CST reply actions

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.

by Outkastprince on Feb 2, 2012 5:08 PM CST up reply actions

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.

...as we find to our astonishment that we can still function, and even thrive within the chase. - Alex Dewey

by CapHill on Feb 3, 2012 8:55 AM CST via Android app up reply actions

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.

I'm not as good as I once was...and that's just the cold, hard truth.

by Ed (dfjmed) on Feb 2, 2012 5:36 PM CST reply actions

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.

(Full disclaimer: I hate everyone.) -- Fred Silva and JRW

by quincyscott on Feb 2, 2012 5:41 PM CST reply actions

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.

"Manu Ginobili is the ultimate human cheat code, the password to the rim."
-Alex Dewey

by Edg5 on Feb 2, 2012 10:12 PM CST reply actions

Kaman is overpriced and Martin will probably go to the Heat

Both teams played hard

by Kondor on Feb 3, 2012 1:01 AM CST reply actions

I agree.
I think Martin would fit great, but I dont see him chosing the spurs

my mom (who doesnt know a lick about basketball): "that guy is anything but World Peace"

by Chilai on Feb 3, 2012 3:37 AM CST up reply actions

You dont chose the Spurs. The Spurs chose you.

But srsly, I thought everyone in here said Kaman doesnt even defend.

A man gets the eye of a Tiger, but a Tiger gets the eye of a Manu.

by alamobro on Feb 3, 2012 7:56 AM CST up reply actions

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.

Both teams played hard

by Kondor on Feb 3, 2012 9:57 AM CST up reply actions

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.

The 2012 season: the Spurs have a chance, but only if Manu can be Manu in the playoffs. - CapHill
Pounding the Rock

by J.R. Wilco on Feb 3, 2012 4:45 PM CST up reply actions