Kevin Martin, known for his unorthodox shooting style and scoring ability, played in the NBA for 12 seasons. Born on February 1, 1983, in Zanesville, Ohio, Martin attended Western Carolina University, where he quickly became a standout player. His college career was marked by impressive scoring, which caught the attention of NBA scouts.
In the 2004 NBA Draft, Martin was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 26th overall pick. Initially, he came off the bench, but his scoring prowess soon earned him a starting role. By the 2006-2007 season, Martin was the Kings' leading scorer, averaging over 20 points per game. His ability to draw fouls and convert free throws made him a reliable offensive weapon.
Martin's tenure with the Kings lasted until 2010, during which he developed a reputation as one of the league's most efficient scorers. In February 2010, he was traded to the Houston Rockets. With the Rockets, Martin continued to excel, averaging over 20 points per game in multiple seasons. His time in Houston solidified his status as a consistent scorer, despite the team's struggles to make deep playoff runs.
In 2012, Martin was involved in a significant trade that sent him to the Oklahoma City Thunder. There, he played alongside stars like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Although his scoring numbers dipped slightly due to a reduced role, Martin was a valuable contributor off the bench, helping the Thunder reach the playoffs.
After one season with Oklahoma City, Martin signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2013. He returned to a starting role and continued to be a primary scoring option for the team. Despite battling injuries, Martin maintained his scoring efficiency, providing veteran leadership to a young Timberwolves squad.
In the latter part of his career, Martin had a brief stint with the San Antonio Spurs in 2016. He joined the team in March, hoping to contribute to a championship run. However, the Spurs were eliminated in the playoffs, and Martin's role was limited.
Throughout his NBA career, Martin was known for his quick release and ability to score in bunches.
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