New York Knicks: Kenyon Martin Re-Signs With The Knicks

The New York Knicks have made an important move in re-signing veteran big man Kenyon Martin to a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract. Martin, who joined the team in February on a 10-day contract, immediately added depth and much-needed toughness to the Knicks’ front court and as a result was signed on for the rest of the 2012-13 season. The 35-year-old enforcer was seemingly set to test his value on the free-agent market, but has returned to New York after providing an invaluable spark to the team in the playoffs. Martin’s return adds to a Knicks’ frontcourt that not only retains Tyson Chandler, Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony, but has added the services of former No. 1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani and NBA champion Metta World Peace.

A former No.1 overall draft pick in his own right, the 13-year NBA veteran provides the Knicks with a great mix of shot blocking, defensive awareness, rebounding, toughness and the ability to finish with authority in the paint. In fact, in his 18 appearances for the Knicks in the regular season, 11 of which he started, Martin shot a career-high .602 from the field, while scoring 7.2 points per game. Injuries to Chandler and Stoudemire late in the season gave Martin the opportunity to show just how valuable he could be for the Knicks, who lacked any real rim protection behind Chandler on the depth chart.

Martin provided a steady presence off the bench for the Knicks in the playoffs as the team advanced past the Boston Celtics and stretched the Indiana Pacers to six games in the second round. In just more than 20 minutes a game, Martin provided 5.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, .508 shooting and perhaps most importantly, 1.4 blocks. His presence defensively allowed the Knicks to rest Chandler for extended stretches without leaving a glaring hole in the paint defensively, a problem which had been evident throughout the season until Martin had been signed.

Kenyon Martin will return to the Knicks after making a significant contribution in the 2012-13 season. Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule

The one-time All-Star and former New Jersey Net, Denver Nugget and Los Angeles Clipper carries a wealth of experience that is invaluable to a team like the Knicks trying to take the next step and contend for an NBA championship. Martin has amassed a career total of 112 playoff games, including two trips to the NBA finals with the New Jersey Nets. Despite the increased depth in the New York frontcourt, having Martin on the roster could prove to be invaluable as the health of Chandler, and especially Amar’e Stoudemire, has been an issue in the past. Having a reliable veteran coming off the bench allows coach Mike Woodson to restrict minutes on his starting frontcourt during the season and aim to have the whole roster healthy come playoff time. The mix of offense and defense that Martin and Bargnani provide off the bench allows Woodson great versatility with his lineups, especially considering Anthony and World Peace’s ability to play the 4 in small-ball situations.

With career averages of 12.8 points, seven rebounds and well more than a steal and block per game, Martin has been bringing his own brand of intensity and toughness to the NBA for well more than a decade. His recent stint in China and subsequent time on the sidelines from the NBA seems to have re-invigorated Martin, whose energy was infectious to his teammates and the New York crowd through the team’s playoff run. Having quickly built chemistry with his Knicks’ teammates and with a full offseason to work with the team, Martin could have an even bigger impact on the team in the 2013-14 NBA season. Considering how well he played for them last season and the proof he still has a considerable amount left in the tank, Martin is a wonderful, under-the-radar and cheap signing for the Knicks, who look to take the next step towards the top of the Eastern Conference this season.