NBA shooting guard legend Kevin Martin speaks
FOR 12 years, shooting guard Kevin Martin was one of the top players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) in his position and he did it his way — under the radar. And while he did not get the same recognition as his contemporaries, his was still an impressive NBA journey with five different teams which he fondly looks back at now in retirement. Mr. Martin, the 26th pick in the 2004 rookie draft and retired from the game last year, talked to a group of sportswriters early this week during the NBA All-Star Game viewing party here in Manila where he shared his thoughts on various things.
Can you talk about your basketball journey from when you started to when you retired last season and the legacy you built?
Kevin Martin (KM): For me I always thought of my hometown, Zanesville, Ohio, just a kid playing basketball. I wasn’t supposed to make the NBA, I’ll tell you that. But with great support around me and working hard, the dream became a reality. And it’s something I can take 50 to 60 years from now. It was an unbelievable journey for an under-the-radar guy like me. It was fun and I hope every kid gets to experience what I experienced, playing in the NBA where the best competition is.
Scoring in bunches is no different to you, what’s your take on how players are scoring right now?
KM: It’s unbelievable how the game has picked up as far as scoring. The rules have changed definitely. They are a whole lot different from some 15 years ago, 10 years ago and five years ago. It’s more of an offensive game now. You have guys putting up all those numbers and as a fan it’s surely exciting.
During your NBA playing days you were under some of the best basketball coaches like Rick Adelman and Gregg Popovich, is coaching something you want to do in retirement?
KM: After watching all my coaches in the past 20 years, I know how players can be knuckleheads are sometimes so I’m backing off it. [Laughs.] But I’ll coach kids, hang out with kids, but coaching us knuckleheads? I think I’ll pass up on that.
You are an NBA spectator again after a long time, what are standouts for you so far in the ongoing season?
KM: Well, one you see teams that were struggling during my time like the Utah Jazz who are now doing well in the West, and another are players playing for so long together and now they are separated like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. It’s like a revolving door. Time always moves on I guess.
Can you talk about your shooting form that many say is ‘awkward-looking?’
KM: It’s just a childhood shot for me. I’d always shoot three-pointers and I was the weakest kid and just developed into it. And the shot kept going in. A lot of coaches tried to change it but I stuck to it. It worked to my advantage actually as it kept a lot of defenders off it.
Your thoughts on your former teammates Durant and Westbrook and their relationship right now? And playing for the San Antonio Spurs in your final year?
KM: Kevin and Russ are two unbelievable character guys in the NBA. I think everybody is just eating it ( the perceived rift between the two) all up right now but they will be fine. When they get to reflect about the time they had together and how it was the best of times and what they have done for Oklahoma City and how they put spark in the sporting scene there, they will figure it out eventually. For the Spurs, they are different from any team. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich, they set the tone and expect a lot from players and they did it with class all these years.
You got to see a Philippine Basketball Association game (Manila Clasico semifinals between Star and Barangay Ginebra), your thoughts on it?
KM: “It was wild. As players they are a scrappy bunch which is always good to see. They brought it to all those people in the arena (Smart Araneta Coliseum) and I felt the arena was packed just when Muhammad Ali was here. And it was great to watch and be part of the basketball scene here.
Why did you decide to retire at age 34?
KM: I’m old man. [Laughs.] The body would talk to you. But for me it was more mentally than physically. I talked to my family before deciding to retire and I believe I made the right decision and now I’m enjoying life off it.
Your message to your fans?
KM: Thanks for all the support. All 12 years of it. In life you don’t go anywhere without the support of a lot of people. The NBA has been tremendous and I’m happy to be part of it.
Mr. Martin played for the Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs in his 12-year NBA career and had career averages of 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists.