Exclusive: An Unbroken Vow Helping Rockets K.J. Martin Grow Leaps and Bounds In Year 3
MEMPHIS — In late September, two days before the start of training camp, K.J. Martin was one of nine players who spoke during the Houston Rockets' annual Media Day inside the Toyota Center.
Martin's press conference was relatively short when compared to his teammates. He spoke to the media for 1 minute and 48 seconds.
Outside of the first question, where he addressed working on his game during the summer, Martin spoke on the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Rockets after reports arose about a potential trade request.
Martin vowed not to let the rumors interfere with his on-court production each time he addressed his future. Six months later, his promise came to fruition inside the FedExForum.
Despite the Rockets falling 130-125 to the Memphis Grizzlies on March 22, Martin finished with a career-best 31 points on 12-for-18 shooting and six rebounds in the loss.
"I came into my third season trying to make a point," Martin said. "I came in and figured out what group of guys were going to be around and found my role within the team. That was my whole thing, just coming in and being productive as much as possible, regardless of who was on my team."
Martin's mindset has led to a career season. He has averaged 12.7 points on 57.2 percent shooting and 5.5 rebounds across 77 games. And his third-year jump has him "likely" to sign an extension with the Rockets this summer — per a source.
The time Martin spent working on his game last summer is the primary reason for his consistent growth and development. He has become more than a second-generational forward whose high-flying abilities draw a comparison to his All-Star father, Kenyon Martin Sr.
Martin has created a respective identity amid his third season. He is no longer forcing his play. But by using his basketball IQ, Martin says he has focused on creating plays for his teammates, which has opened the game from an individual standpoint.
Improvement and consistency are the two adjectives Martin used to describe his third-year jump. But despite Martin's individual efforts, he credits coach Stephen Silas and assistant coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah for his success.
Abdelfattah helped establish a foundation for Martin as a rookie participating in the G-League Bubble in 2021. And in his first season as a full-time assistant coach in Houston, Abdelfattah was a voice for Martin to rely upon throughout the good and bad times.
But under Silas' stewardship, Martin's development is a testament to coach's best attribute as a teacher.
"He allows me to go out there and play freely," Martin said. "He trusts me that each time I step onto the floor, I am going to make something happen, whether on offense or defense.
"He has been around the game for a long time, and I feel like I can go and ask him anything. He helps me. And at the same time, he allows me to figure it out. Coach and I have a great relationship — I appreciate him."
The descriptions Martin used to summarize his third-year progression go beyond his play on the hardwood floor. His improvement and consistency could also depict the leaps he has taken as a leader.
What Silas describes as a "third-year veteran," Martin revealed the leadership role he has held this season was surprising. But due to the knowledge and message he could convey to Houston's young corps, he refused to reject the obligation.
"Since I've been starting, I've been more of a leader," Martin said. "When I am out there on the floor, I communicate with my guys to let them know what I see and take it into account. Obviously, I am young myself. But I have a lot of knowledge I collected about the game whether from my dad or coaches."
Martin has made significant strides in his third season. And with the Rockets' season drawing to a close, Martin is determined not to let complacency get in the way of his growth.
He plans to stay committed to the workout method that has led to a career year, with more emphasis on weight training and film study.
Martin's trade request stemmed from his desire for more minutes entering year three. He achieved his goal by averaging 27.7 minutes and became a full-time starter following the departure of Eric Gordon in February.
Martin's progression will likely lead to his first significant payday this summer. The next crucial task for Martin will be proving the Rockets' long-term investment would end with the same results as his third season — consistent development.
"It feels good to be wanted," Martin said. "My first year when I came in, I always told myself I would work as hard as I could to help this team win. The past few seasons have been tough. But next year, as a whole, we will make that jump and make a playoff run."
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