I've been one of Kevin Martin's biggest advocates since his second season, when he showed early flashes of stardom in limited minutes following a forgettable rookie year. I raved about an ensuing breakout to anyone who'd listen, and invested in his rookie cards at bargain prices. When he exploded on the scene in his first year as a starter, averaging over 20 points per game and narrowly missing out on winning the Most Improved Player Award, I felt almost like a proud father seeing his son hit his first home run in Little League. The YouTube clip of Martin's off-balance buzzer beater against the San Antonio Spurs in the 2006 playoffs still gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. That's why it pains me to no end to write this: it's time for Sacramento to trade him.
A lot can change in a day. On Wednesday evening, the Kings had defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling overtime game in front of a sellout crowd at Arco Arena. Coming on the heels of a tough loss to the New Orleans Hornets, a much-needed victory in the home opener brought a sense of excitement and optimism for the 2009-10 season. Kevin Martin was back in old form, pouring in a season high 48 points, and adding five rebounds, four assists, and four steals in one of the best all-around games of his career.
Less than 48 hours later, Sacramento fell apart in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks, and newly-installed starter Andres "Mussleman" Nocioni was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Opening day starter Desmond Mason was unceremoniously released after averaging less than three points per game on 28% shooting, and was replaced by Ime Udoka, a 32-year-old-year offensively-challeged veteran (much like, oh, I don't know, Desmond Mason). Tyreke Evans sprained his ankle and was outplayed by Beno Udrih for the second straight contest, and even more shockingly, I wanted Udrih, of all players, on the floor in the closing minutes.
Martin, questionable going into the game with bruised wrist, put up 29 points and 11 rebounds, showing few signs of serious injury. An MRI the next morning revealed a hairline stress fracture in his non-shooting wrist, with treatment options ranging from surgery that would sideline him for up to eight weeks to playing through the pain and risking a complete break of the bone. After being without their franchise player for 52 games over the previous two seasons, it's become a familiar story.
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