Kenyon Martin Jr. facts for kids
Martin with the Houston Rockets in 2023
|
|
| No. 1 – Philadelphia 76ers | |
|---|---|
| Small forward / power forward | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | January 6, 2001 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| High school |
|
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| NBA Draft | 2020 / Round: 2 / Pick: 52nd overall |
| Selected by the Sacramento Kings | |
| Pro career | 2020–present |
| League | NBA |
| Career history | |
| 2020–2023 | Houston Rockets |
| 2021 | →Rio Grande Valley Vipers |
| 2023 | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 2023–present | Philadelphia 76ers |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
Kenyon Lee "KJ" Martin Jr. (born January 6, 2001) is an American professional basketball player. He plays for the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). KJ is the son of former NBA player Kenyon Martin.
He grew up in southern California. KJ played basketball at several high schools. These included Chaminade College Prep and Sierra Canyon. After high school, he went to IMG Academy for an extra year of study and basketball.
The Sacramento Kings picked him in the 2020 NBA draft. Soon after, he was traded to the Houston Rockets. He played for the Rockets for three seasons. In 2023, he joined the Los Angeles Clippers. Later that year, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Contents
KJ's High School Journey
KJ Martin Jr. started high school at Oaks Christian High School. He did not play basketball there as a freshman. He was homeschooled for a short time.
After his freshman year, he went to Chaminade College Preparatory. This is where he began playing basketball. He played as a sophomore.
Later, KJ became a top player at Sierra Canyon School. He played with other future stars like Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cassius Stanley. KJ helped his team win two California Open Division championships. He scored about 16.7 points and grabbed 9.8 rebounds per game.
KJ first planned to play college basketball for Vanderbilt. But he decided to spend a year at IMG Academy instead. At IMG Academy, he averaged 20 points and eight rebounds per game. People noticed his amazing athletic skills. He also improved his jump shot. KJ decided to enter the 2020 NBA draft in March 2020.
KJ's Professional Career
Playing for the Houston Rockets (2020–2023)
On November 18, 2020, the Sacramento Kings chose KJ Martin Jr. in the NBA draft. He was the 52nd pick overall. A few days later, the Kings traded him to the Houston Rockets. He signed a four-year contract with the Rockets.
The Rockets also sent him to their minor league team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. This helped him get more playing time.
KJ made his NBA debut on January 8, 2021, against the Orlando Magic. He scored 7 points in that game. On May 8, 2021, he scored a career-high 27 points against the Utah Jazz. He also grabbed 10 rebounds in three different games that month.
.jpg)
In the 2021-22 season, KJ played in 79 out of 82 games. He scored a season-high 20 points against the Utah Jazz on March 2, 2022. He also had 11 rebounds in two games.
Before the 2022-23 season, KJ asked the Rockets for a trade. He wanted to play more minutes. He ended up becoming a full-time starter in February 2023. This happened when another player, Eric Gordon, was traded. KJ played in all 82 games for the Rockets that season. He started in 49 of them.
He achieved his best stats that year. He averaged 12.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 28.0 minutes per game. On November 25, 2022, he scored 21 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds. This helped his team win against the Atlanta Hawks. On March 22, 2023, he scored a new career-high of 31 points against the Memphis Grizzlies. KJ also took part in the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest in February 2023.
Joining the Los Angeles Clippers (2023)
On July 8, 2023, the Rockets traded KJ to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers gave up two future draft picks for him.
Playing for the Philadelphia 76ers (2023–Present)
On November 1, 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers traded for KJ Martin Jr. They also got Marcus Morris Sr., Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington. In return, the Clippers received James Harden, P. J. Tucker, and Filip Petrušev. KJ re-signed with the 76ers on July 15, 2024.
Personal Life
KJ Martin Jr. is the son of Kenyon Martin and Heather Martin. His father, Kenyon Martin, was the very first player picked in the 2000 NBA draft. He played in the NBA for 15 years.
See also
In Spanish: Kenyon Martin Jr. para niños
