Kenyon Martin Scheming On Comeback With Denver Nuggets

The Denver Post reports on Kenyon Martin rehabbing his knee: 

"Kenyon will be doing something on the court with this team," said Martin, 29, after working out at the Pepsi Center. "Whether it’s just me going in and waving, I’m going to contribute in the first game of the season. I expect to play whether it’s 10 minutes, two minutes - I expect to play."

Hess said Martin began working out for the upcoming season two weeks after the 2006-07 season ended. From this week until training camp begins Oct. 3, Martin is expected to work out five days a week in Denver and plans to be ready for the Nuggets’ first practice. This week’s workout consists of treadmill running, shooting, weightlifting and yoga.

My Quick Take:  Think back to the Millennium and all that Y2K nonsense. Remember, K-Mart? Do you remember a fierce power forward from the U-of-Cincinnati that seemed destined for great things in The League?

Two things have stalled Kenyon Martin’s career: injuries and controversy. He suffered a gruesome leg break his last year in the NCAA with the Bearcats. Nagging injuries took their toll during his time in Jersey. And, after inking a max contract with Denver, he’s had endless knee troubles.

Sprinkled in with his time on injured reserve, Martin has faced negative press. He was perceived as a hot-headed rookie, drawing his share of technical fouls and suspensions. He once fought Alonzo Mourning in practice and then got caught up in a fugasi of an incident with former Knick Tim Thomas. In Denver, he’s feuded with fans, Coach George Karl, and team doctors.

That being said, Martin can play. The Nets, three years after his departure, are still trying to replace his presence on the inside. And a young K-Mart always showed up for New Jersey during the playoffs.

And his outbursts are typically a result of caring too much, being too competitive, and being too intense. My feeling on Martin: he’s actually a sensitive cat, who feels pressure to justify his 92 million dollar, maximum contract. Not an easy thing.

So far it hasn’t worked in Denver. But reading Spears’ article, you get the sense Martin has mellowed. Hopefully, he hasn’t mellowed too much; just enough to enjoy himself and return to being a solid power forward.

What are your thoughts on Martin’s comeback?

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