Kevin Martin Is Ready For Life Without Ron Artest
Will KMart score even more without Ron?Have you ever heard Kevin Martin talk before? If you don’t have NBA TV and don’t hang around for the post-game presser, that’s probably a resounding no. Try this: if you YouTube “Kevin Martin,” you’ll find like 30 different mixes of him getting buckets off of his impossibly effective awkward game, but nothing of him saying anything. Even try “Kevin Martin talking,” and the first thing that pops up is an interview with Brandon Roy.
For a guy who was sixth in the League in scoring last year, it’s unbelievable that he’s been completely out of the public eye. But now that the most recognizable face of the Kings’ franchise, Ron Artest, is in Houston, Martin is looking to step in as the team leader - even if that means being vocal from time to time.
While media types (myself included) and fans alike are wondering how Martin will handle the role of being ‘The Man’ now that Ron Artest is gone, he is taking a somewhat more savvy approach. Between his strong stance in Las Vegas and his shared opinions this week, it’s obvious he is welcoming the new personal challenge while expecting more from those around him at the same time.
But life without Ron isn’t going to be toughest off the court in the mini-media market that is Sacramento. Instead, the Kings will be without their gritty lock-down defender and 20-point per game scorer. Thus Martin is going to be one of the Kings asked to carry a bigger scoring burden. How much weight can he hold? If he averaged 23.7 last year can he tally 25 this year? 27? 30?
Physically, his once-fragile frame took yet another offseason step toward sturdy. His game that already taken historical steps in terms of statistical progress should be refined, with an emphasis this summer on everything from strengthening his weak hand on the dribble to playing lower to the floor rather than his penchant for staying upright to improving defensive positioning and awareness to finishing with exclamation point dunks more than ever.
Source: Sac Bee
September 12th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Tyrone says:
Kevin Martin is a real baller yo. He gets major buckets, some dope dimes and does that good stuff efficiently too y’all. Dude’s low on turnovers as well. Them Kings are in great hands with Martin leadin’ ‘em..
True thugz never lie.
Tyrone.
September 12th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Big V says:
He’s going to be a fantasy stud this year. I’d even consider taking him third or even second round.
September 12th, 2008 at 10:40 am
fallinup says:
He’ll be a fantasy stud for points, and percentage. But that’s about it. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a baller…but his job will be tougher now that teams don’t have to worry about Artest.
September 12th, 2008 at 10:53 am
alex says:
kevin martin will contend for mvp this yr just watch and his crew is solid i mean look what he has around him beno udrih, john salmons, cisco garcia, quincy douby, bobby jackson, donte greene, hawes, jason thompson, brad miller, and mikki moore thats a solid team
September 12th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Diego says:
(What’s alex smoking?)
September 12th, 2008 at 11:39 am
sxrs says:
i dont know but i want some
September 12th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
dagwaller says:
I like how, in an article that leads with how anonymous K-Mart II is (btw, can we please call him just K Mart, since imo he’s better than K Mart ever was?), the picture isn’t of him, but is instead of Ron Artest. Fitting.
September 12th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
WEST says:
HAHAHAHAha
Quincy DOuby, Hawes, JThompson, Mikki Moore, Cisco Garcia….A SOLID TEAM??!
HAHAAHHAHA
September 12th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
David Brandon says:
1. for real! why wasnt the pic of martin? i guess youre not big til dime gets you pic….
2. i dont think martin is the answer to this team. he’s a role player who can get buckets. he’s a scorer and thats it. doesnt really get assist or boards or take charges or play outstanding defense. he’s buckets. not saying there’s anything wrong with that, but still…its best to taylor a team around a player that can at least get close to doing it all. we all know that.
3. i’m glad that we’re headed in the right direction, but we have some WORK ahead.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
ctkennedy says:
martin is missin the main thing needed to be the man that scare u factor he off that night its 17 if hes on its 30 there is no 40 or 50 point games in him