Kenyon Martin helped save the Knicks’ 2012-13 season. Photo Credit: Mark Runyon, Basketball Schedule
One word teams may often find themselves using when describing what it’s like to play the New York Knicks in 2013-14? Uncomfortable. The Knickerbockers rounded out their roster by adding Kenyon Martin to what is becoming an extremely volatile mix of talented personalities that, if nothing else, should make this team extremely entertaining next season.
K-mart couldn’t find a job for most of 2012-13. After electing to play in China during the NBA lockout in 2011, Martin essentially prevented himself from garnering an NBA job thanks to the language of his deal with Xinjiang, a club in the Chinese Basketball Association. It didn’t work out for Kenyon in China, but his contract stipulated that he could not return to the NBA for any part of the 2011-12 season. So after agreeing on a buyout, the volatile former number one overall pick waited. And waited. The lockout shortened season ended and still no looks. Kenyon remained sidelined all the way into February 2013, when an injury depleted New York Knick team decided to give him a look.
Martin came in and performed at an extremely high level. It was clear he was still a top end, versatile defender capable of finishing around the rim and igniting a crowd. After rounding into game shape, Martin helped the Knicks secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference by playing an integral role as a defensive menace and enforcer during the club’s season-high 13-game winning streak. Teammates lauded his toughness and heart, something he’s hung his hat for the duration of his NBA career.
“I’m just here to prove to people that I ain’t never lost it,” quipped an agitated Martin, a guy clearly playing with a chip on shoulder. “I’m here to prove what I can do. That’s everybody every night. Whoever put that uniform on that’s opposite us they’re going to see what they’re missing.”
Kenyon Martin, at age 35, may still have some quality basketball left to play. But Kenyon Martin also may be a bit crazy. This is still the same guy who told “haters” on Twitter to get “full blown aids and die” and took a shot at Alonzo Mourning‘s kidney ailment after Mourning criticized Kenyon’s leadership skills. The same can be said for his new teammate, the always interesting Metta World Peace, who’s infamous silliness really needs no rehashing in this space. J.R. Smith, yes, the same J.R. Smith who may or may not have been clubbing with Rihanna on game nights during the second round of the NBA playoffs, also returns to the Knicks locker room. Not returning? Jason Kidd, the calming presence that may have been the glue that kept the Knicks together all season, and Kurt Thomas, a notorious locker-room enforcer. There is a distinct possibility that the New York Knicks may spontaneously combust with all the characters that are in the fold for the upcoming season and the pressure is on coach Mike Woodson to try to keep this squad on the tracks.
Still, there is no denying the talent this group has. The Knicks have two former No. 1 overall picks on their roster (the aforementioned Martin and Andrea Bargnani), the reigning NBA scoring champion (Carmelo Anthony), the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year (J.R. Smith) and a player just a year removed from winning the Defensive Player of the Year award (Tyson Chandler). Up front, it’s easy to see how versatile the Knicks can be if used correctly. The Knicks were a No. 2 seed last year and had their best season in more than a decade. This offseason, on paper, the Knicks have improved their roster.
But can they keep it together? At least long enough to get through an entire season and make a run at an NBA title? That may be the biggest question heading into the 2013-14 NBA season for the New York Knicks. Considering the the spotlight they’ll be under after they way they captivated the city throughout last season’s run, whether they succeed or fail, you get the feeling it’ll be spectacular.