Kenyon Martin, the No. 1 pick of the 2000 NBA draft, told Yahoo Sports he has retired from playing professional basketball.
Martin scored 9,325 points, grabbed 5,159 rebounds and blocked 864 shots in 757 NBA games over 15 seasons. The athletic 6-foot-9 forward made his lone NBA All-Star appearance in 2004, played in the NBA Finals for the New Jersey Nets in 2002 and ’03 and was known for catching lob passes from former teammate Jason Kidd. Martin also played for the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks from 2000-15.
“It’s been a great 15 years,” Martin, 37, told Yahoo Sports. “Thanks to all the fans that supported me over the years. But a time does come when you have to walk away, and the time is now for me. I’m ready for the next chapter of my life. I would like to thank the Nets, Nuggets, Clippers, Knicks and Bucks for the opportunity to play the game that I love.
“It’s been real. Thanks for the love.”
Martin was the consensus 2000 college basketball player of the year at the University of Cincinnati. He also played briefly for the China Xinjiang Flying Tigers during the NBA lockout in 2012. His basketball career ended when the Bucks opted not to sign him for the remainder of the season after he completed two 10-day contracts and was waived on Feb. 19.
Martin said he is interested in coaching on the college or NBA level. He also plans to help his 14-year-old son, Kenyon Jr., who is already 6-foot-3½ entering his freshman year at Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, Calif., develop into a basketball star.
“I have family time and business ahead,” Martin said. “And if something coaching comes up [basketball-wise], I will consider it. I’m also getting Kenyon, Jr., ready to be the No. 1 pick in a couple of years.”
- Kenyon Martin
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Denver Nuggets
- professional basketball
- New Jersey Nets
