Kevin Martin (basketball)
Encyclopedia
Kevin Dallas Martin, Jr. (born 1 February 1983), is an American professional basketball
player currently with the Houston Rockets
in the NBA. He is known for his knack for scoring, deceptive quickness and unorthodox style of shooting.
, he played for Zanesville High School
. He then received a full scholarship to Western Carolina University
, where he majored in sports management. He ranks fourth all-time on Western Carolina's scoring list with 1,838 points.
Martin is also a regular attendant at the Zanesville
Gus Macker
, where he played in the Top Men's Bracket for Domino's Pizza
for several years after entering the NBA.
.
. This included a start at small forward
due to Ron Artest
being suspended for Game Two of the team's first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs
following a flagrant foul (elbow to the head) on Manu Ginóbili
. He is best known in that series for making the game winning buzzer beater in Game 3 in Sacramento that gave the Kings a 1–2 series against the Spurs. His shot was also over the San Antonio Spurs
' Tim Duncan
.
When interviewed on a segment by TNT during a game, Martin credited Doug Christie
for helping him learn how to defend in the NBA. Likewise, Martin also credited Cuttino Mobley
for helping him with his shooting. Martin played behind both guards during their tenure with the Kings.
's Dwight Howard
. During the 2006–07 season, Kevin Martin proved himself to be among the top scorers in the NBA, averaging 20.2 points per game, while averaging 4.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists, all career highs. He is also one of the best shooters in the league with a 47.3% shooting percentage from the field and 38.1% from beyond the three-point arc (along with 84.4% FT shooting). Kevin finished second to Monta Ellis
in the NBA Most Improved Player Award
.
On March 17, 2007, Martin led the Kings to a 95-83 road win over the Orlando Magic and joined Nate Archibald as the only other player in NBA history to score at least 20 points in a game with only one field goal made. Martin tallied 20 points on 1-8 FG from the field (1-1 3pt) while knocking down 17-20 FT from the foul line.
On August 28, 2007, the Sacramento Kings
and Martin agreed to a 5-year, $55 million deal.
, 4.5 RPG
, 2.1 APG
and averaging 45% from the court and 40% from three point range. However, he missed 17 games due to a groin injury. Also during the year, on March 7, 2008, Martin scored a career high 48 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves
.
trade during the offseason. He started the season strong, however he suffered an ankle injury which kept him out 15 games. He returned, but re-aggravated his injury shortly thereafter. After returning again, he helped the Kings snap a 6-game losing streak. Martin averaged 24.3 points per game during the remainder of the season, including an overtime loss on April 1, 2009 against the Golden State Warriors
, in which he scored a career-high 50 points.
on February 18, 2010 as part of a three-way trade including the New York Knicks
and the Sacramento Kings
.
In his debut as a Rocket, Martin scored just 3-16 from the field, but 8-9 from the line, ending the game with 14 points, in a 125-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers
. On April 12th, in his first game back in Sacramento's Arco Arena, Martin scored 39 points, scoring 11 of 20, making all 16 of his foul shot attempts.
and went on to score 45 points in a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers
.
| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 45 || 0 || 10.1 || .385 || .200 || .655 || 1.3 || .5 || .4 || .1 || 2.9
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 72 || 41 || 26.6 || .480 || .369 || .847 || 3.6 || 1.3 || .8 || .1 || 10.8
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 80 || 80 || 35.2 || .473 || .381 || .844 || 4.3 || 2.2 || 1.2 || .1 || 20.2
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 61 || 57 || 36.3 || .456 || .402 || .869 || 4.5 || 2.1 || 1.0 || .1 || 23.7
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 51 || 46 || 38.2 || .420 ||.415 || .867 || 3.6 || 2.7 || 1.2 || .2 ||24.6
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 22 || 21 || 35.2 || .398 || .355 || .819 || 4.3 || 2.6 || 1.1 || .2 || 19.8
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
| align="left" | Houston
| 24 || 22 || 35.8 || .435 || .310 || .924 || 2.9 || 2.3 || 1.0 || .1 || 21.3
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
| align="left" | Houston
| 80 || 80 || 32.5 || .436 || .383 || .888 || 3.2 || 2.5 || 1.0 || .2 || 23.4
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 435 || 347 || 31.2 || .446 || .381 || .863 || 3.5 || 2.0 || 1.0 || .1 || 18.5
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 6 || 1 || 32.8 || .407 || .316 || 1.000 || 5.0 || .5 || .5 || .3 || 13.2
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 6 || 1 || 32.8 || .407 || .316 || 1.000 || 5.0 || .5 || .5 || .3 || 13.2
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player currently with the Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
in the NBA. He is known for his knack for scoring, deceptive quickness and unorthodox style of shooting.
High school and college
Born in Zanesville, OhioZanesville, Ohio
Zanesville is a city in and the county seat of Muskingum County, Ohio, United States. The population was 25,586 at the 2000 census.Zanesville was named after Ebenezer Zane, who had constructed Zane's Trace, a pioneer road through present-day Ohio...
, he played for Zanesville High School
Zanesville High School
Zanesville High School is a public high school in Zanesville, Ohio. Zanesville High School is the only public high school in the Zanesville City School District. The mascot is the Blue Devil and the school colors are blue and white.-History:...
. He then received a full scholarship to Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University is a coeducational public university located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States. The university is a constituent campus of the University of North Carolina system....
, where he majored in sports management. He ranks fourth all-time on Western Carolina's scoring list with 1,838 points.
Martin is also a regular attendant at the Zanesville
Zanesville, Ohio
Zanesville is a city in and the county seat of Muskingum County, Ohio, United States. The population was 25,586 at the 2000 census.Zanesville was named after Ebenezer Zane, who had constructed Zane's Trace, a pioneer road through present-day Ohio...
Gus Macker
Gus Macker
The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament is a nationwide event for players of a variety of age and skill levels in the United States. Although every tournament is different, a typical Gus Macker event involves dozens of temporary courts set up in parking lots or closed-off public streets...
, where he played in the Top Men's Bracket for Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza
Domino's Pizza, Inc. is an international pizza delivery corporation headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America. Founded in 1960, Domino's is the second-largest pizza chain in the United States and has over 9,000 corporate and franchised stores in 60 countries and all 50 U.S....
for several years after entering the NBA.
NBA career
Martin was a standout while at Western Carolina. Due to his success, he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 26th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft2004 NBA Draft
The 2004 NBA Draft was held on June 24, 2004 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York and was broadcast live on ESPN at 7:00 pm . In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting amateur college basketball players and other first-time eligible...
.
2004–05
In the 2004–05 season, Martin averaged 2.9 points, 1.3 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game, and played sparingly, averaging just 10 minutes a game.2005–06
He showed much improvement the following year, averaging 10.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Martin also started from time to time during the 2005–06 season in part by the injury of Bonzi WellsBonzi Wells
Gawen DeAngelo "Bonzi" Wells is an American professional basketball player. A 6' 5" shooting guard, he last played for Capitanes de Arecibo of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional, the main Puerto Rican basketball league. He played college basketball at Ball State University and was drafted in the...
. This included a start at small forward
Small forward
The small forward, or colloquially known as three, is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall...
due to Ron Artest
Ron Artest
Metta World Peace is an American professional basketball player and rapper who is currently with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. World Peace gained a reputation as one of the league's premier defenders as he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004...
being suspended for Game Two of the team's first-round playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
following a flagrant foul (elbow to the head) on Manu Ginóbili
Manu Ginobili
Emanuel David "Manu" Ginóbili is an Argentine professional basketball player. Coming from a family of professional basketball players, he is a member of the Argentine men's national basketball team and the San Antonio Spurs in the National Basketball Association .Ginóbili spent the early part of...
. He is best known in that series for making the game winning buzzer beater in Game 3 in Sacramento that gave the Kings a 1–2 series against the Spurs. His shot was also over the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
' Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan
Timothy Theodore "Tim" Duncan is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs of the National Basketball Association . The 6-foot 11-inch , 255-pound power forward/center is a four-time NBA champion, two-time NBA MVP, three-time NBA Finals MVP, and NBA Rookie of the Year...
.
When interviewed on a segment by TNT during a game, Martin credited Doug Christie
Doug Christie (basketball)
Douglas Dale Christie is a retired American basketball player.-Early life:Christie is the son of John Malone and Norma Christie...
for helping him learn how to defend in the NBA. Likewise, Martin also credited Cuttino Mobley
Cuttino Mobley
Cuttino Rashawn Mobley is a former American professional basketball shooting guard who played from 1998 to 2008 in the National Basketball Association .-Biography:...
for helping him with his shooting. Martin played behind both guards during their tenure with the Kings.
2006–07
In the general managers' survey at the start of the 2006–07 NBA season, Martin tied for second as the player most likely to have a breakout campaign, behind Orlando MagicOrlando Magic
The Orlando Magic is a professional basketball team based in Orlando, Florida. They play in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association and are currently coached by Stan Van Gundy...
's Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard
Dwight David Howard is an American basketball player for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association . Howard, who usually plays center but can also play power forward, had an outstanding high school career at Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy...
. During the 2006–07 season, Kevin Martin proved himself to be among the top scorers in the NBA, averaging 20.2 points per game, while averaging 4.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists, all career highs. He is also one of the best shooters in the league with a 47.3% shooting percentage from the field and 38.1% from beyond the three-point arc (along with 84.4% FT shooting). Kevin finished second to Monta Ellis
Monta Ellis
Monta Ellis is an American professional basketball player who plays the shooting guard and point guard positions for the Golden State Warriors of the NBA. Ellis entered the 2005 NBA Draft after graduating from Lanier High School in Jackson, Mississippi, and the Warriors drafted him in the second...
in the NBA Most Improved Player Award
NBA Most Improved Player Award
The National Basketball Association's Most Improved Player Award is an annual National Basketball Association award given since the 1985–86 NBA season, to the most improved player of the regular season. The winner is selected by a panel of sportswriters throughout the United States and Canada,...
.
On March 17, 2007, Martin led the Kings to a 95-83 road win over the Orlando Magic and joined Nate Archibald as the only other player in NBA history to score at least 20 points in a game with only one field goal made. Martin tallied 20 points on 1-8 FG from the field (1-1 3pt) while knocking down 17-20 FT from the foul line.
On August 28, 2007, the Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
and Martin agreed to a 5-year, $55 million deal.
2007–08
Martin got off to a fast start to the NBA season, while in the first 15 games was the NBA's leading scorer with 29.6 PPG. Martin finished the season 6th in the NBA in scoring at 23.7 PPGPPG
PPG may stand for:* PPG Industries, a U.S. manufacturer, and its PPG Place office complex* PPG tankette, a Soviet armoured vehicle* Pacific Proving Grounds, a former US-operated nuclear test site* Palm Products GmbH, an audio synthesizer company...
, 4.5 RPG
Rebound (basketball)
A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a routine part in the game, as all possessions change after a shot is successfully made...
, 2.1 APG
APG
APG is an abbreviation with several different meanings:* Aberdeen Proving Ground, a United States Army installation in Aberdeen, Maryland, also**Phillips Army Airfield, the airfield of the above, from its IATA airport code...
and averaging 45% from the court and 40% from three point range. However, he missed 17 games due to a groin injury. Also during the year, on March 7, 2008, Martin scored a career high 48 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
.
2008–09
Martin became the leader of the team following the Ron ArtestRon Artest
Metta World Peace is an American professional basketball player and rapper who is currently with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. World Peace gained a reputation as one of the league's premier defenders as he won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2004...
trade during the offseason. He started the season strong, however he suffered an ankle injury which kept him out 15 games. He returned, but re-aggravated his injury shortly thereafter. After returning again, he helped the Kings snap a 6-game losing streak. Martin averaged 24.3 points per game during the remainder of the season, including an overtime loss on April 1, 2009 against the Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are an American professional basketball team based in Oakland, California. They are part of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
, in which he scored a career-high 50 points.
2009–10
Martin was traded to the Houston RocketsHouston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
on February 18, 2010 as part of a three-way trade including the New York Knicks
New York Knicks
The New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
and the Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
.
In his debut as a Rocket, Martin scored just 3-16 from the field, but 8-9 from the line, ending the game with 14 points, in a 125-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are members of the Central Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association...
. On April 12th, in his first game back in Sacramento's Arco Arena, Martin scored 39 points, scoring 11 of 20, making all 16 of his foul shot attempts.
2010-11
Martin scored 40 points in a 110-95 win against the Cleveland CavaliersCleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers are a professional basketball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They began playing in the National Basketball Association in 1970 as an expansion team...
and went on to score 45 points in a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the...
.
Regular season
|-| align="left" | 2004–05
| align="left" | Sacramento
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
| 45 || 0 || 10.1 || .385 || .200 || .655 || 1.3 || .5 || .4 || .1 || 2.9
|-
| align="left" | 2005–06
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 72 || 41 || 26.6 || .480 || .369 || .847 || 3.6 || 1.3 || .8 || .1 || 10.8
|-
| align="left" | 2006–07
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 80 || 80 || 35.2 || .473 || .381 || .844 || 4.3 || 2.2 || 1.2 || .1 || 20.2
|-
| align="left" | 2007–08
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 61 || 57 || 36.3 || .456 || .402 || .869 || 4.5 || 2.1 || 1.0 || .1 || 23.7
|-
| align="left" | 2008–09
2008–09 NBA season
The 2008–09 NBA season was the 63rd season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 28, 2008, and ended on Wednesday, April 15, 2009...
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 51 || 46 || 38.2 || .420 ||.415 || .867 || 3.6 || 2.7 || 1.2 || .2 ||24.6
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| align="left" | Sacramento
| 22 || 21 || 35.2 || .398 || .355 || .819 || 4.3 || 2.6 || 1.1 || .2 || 19.8
|-
| align="left" | 2009–10
2009–10 NBA season
The 2009–10 NBA season was the 64th season of the National Basketball Association . The 1,230-game regular season began on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, and ended on Wednesday, April 14, 2010....
| align="left" | Houston
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
| 24 || 22 || 35.8 || .435 || .310 || .924 || 2.9 || 2.3 || 1.0 || .1 || 21.3
|-
| align="left" | 2010–11
2010–11 NBA season
The 2010–11 NBA season was the 65th season of the National Basketball Association . The 2011 NBA All-Star Game was played on February 20, 2011 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in six games, 4 games to 2, to win their first NBA title, and...
| align="left" | Houston
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1967, and played in San Diego, California for four years, before being...
| 80 || 80 || 32.5 || .436 || .383 || .888 || 3.2 || 2.5 || 1.0 || .2 || 23.4
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 435 || 347 || 31.2 || .446 || .381 || .863 || 3.5 || 2.0 || 1.0 || .1 || 18.5
Playoffs
|-| align="left" | 2005–06
2006 NBA Playoffs
The 2006 NBA Playoffs was the postseason of the National Basketball Association's 2005–06 season. The Miami Heat won the first championship in the history of the franchise by defeating the Dallas Mavericks 4-2 in the 2006 NBA Finals...
| align="left" | Sacramento
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
| 6 || 1 || 32.8 || .407 || .316 || 1.000 || 5.0 || .5 || .5 || .3 || 13.2
|-
| align="left" | Career
| align="left" |
| 6 || 1 || 32.8 || .407 || .316 || 1.000 || 5.0 || .5 || .5 || .3 || 13.2