Kenyon Martin Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Kenyon Martin Jr.

Martin with the Houston Rockets in 2023
No. 99 – Utah Jazz
Small forward / power forward
Personal information
Born	(2001-01-06) January 6, 2001 (age 24) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
High school	Chaminade College Prep (Los Angeles, California) Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, California) IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
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
2023–2025	Philadelphia 76ers
2025–present	Utah Jazz
Career highlights and awards
NBA G League All-Rookie Team (2021)

Kenyon Lee "KJ" Martin Jr. (born January 6, 2001) is an American professional basketball player. He plays for the Utah Jazz in the National Basketball Association (NBA). KJ is the son of former NBA player Kenyon Martin.

He grew up in southern California and played basketball in high school. He attended Chaminade College Prep and Sierra Canyon. After high school, he spent a year at IMG Academy to improve his game. The Sacramento Kings picked him in the 2020 NBA draft. In November 2020, the Kings traded KJ to the Houston Rockets, where he played for three seasons. In 2023, he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Later that year, he joined the Philadelphia 76ers. In February 2025, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons and then quickly to the Utah Jazz.

KJ's High School Basketball Journey

KJ Martin Jr. started high school at Oaks Christian High School. He did not play basketball there during his first year. After that, he was homeschooled for a short time.

He then enrolled at Chaminade College Preparatory. This is where he began playing basketball as a sophomore. Later, he played for Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California. He played alongside other talented players like Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cassius Stanley. During his time there, KJ helped his team win two California Open Division championships. He averaged 16.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.

KJ first planned to play college basketball for Vanderbilt. However, he decided to spend an extra year at IMG Academy instead. At IMG Academy, he averaged 20 points and eight rebounds per game. People noticed his amazing athleticism. He scored 37 points at the National Prep Showcase. He also showed that his jump shot had gotten much better. On March 24, 2020, KJ announced he would enter the 2020 NBA draft.

KJ's Professional Basketball Career

Playing for the Houston Rockets (2020–2023)

Starting in the NBA (2020-21)

On November 18, 2020, the Sacramento Kings chose KJ Martin in the second round of the 2020 NBA draft. He was the 52nd player picked overall. A week later, on November 25, he was traded to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets signed him to a four-year contract on November 30. The team also sent him to their G League team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, to gain more experience.

KJ made his NBA debut on January 8, 2021, against the Orlando Magic. He scored 7 points in that game. On May 8, 2021, KJ scored his season-high of 27 points against the Utah Jazz. He also grabbed 10 rebounds in three different games that May.

Second Season with the Rockets (2021-22)

Martin attempts to dunk over Dean Wade of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021

During the 2021-22 season, KJ played in 79 out of 82 games for the Rockets. He started in two of those games. On March 2, 2022, he scored a season-high 20 points against the Utah Jazz. He also had 11 rebounds in two different games that season.

Becoming a Starter (2022-23)

Before the 2022-23 season, KJ asked the Rockets for a trade. He wanted to play more minutes. However, he ended up becoming a full-time starter when another player, Eric Gordon, was traded in February 2023. KJ played in all 82 of the Rockets' games that season. He started in 49 of them. He also achieved his best career numbers in points per game (12.7), shooting percentage (.572), rebounds per game (5.5), and minutes per game (28.0).

On November 25, 2022, he scored 21 points and grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds. This helped his team win 128–122 against the Atlanta Hawks. On March 22, 2023, KJ scored a career-high 31 points against the Memphis Grizzlies. He also participated in the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest on February 18, 2023, during the NBA All-Star weekend.

Time with the Los Angeles Clippers (2023)

On July 8, 2023, the Rockets traded KJ Martin to the Los Angeles Clippers. In return, the Rockets received two future second-round draft picks.

Playing for the Philadelphia 76ers (2023–2025)

On November 1, 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers got KJ Martin in a big trade. They also received Marcus Morris Sr., Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington from the Clippers. In exchange, the Clippers received James Harden, P. J. Tucker, and Filip Petrušev. The 76ers also got several draft picks and cash in the deal. KJ re-signed with the 76ers on July 15, 2024.

Joining the Utah Jazz (2025–present)

On February 6, 2025, KJ Martin was traded to the Detroit Pistons. This trade also included two future second-round draft picks. Just a few hours later, he was traded again to the Utah Jazz. This was part of a five-team trade that also sent Jimmy Butler to the Warriors.

KJ's Career Statistics

Here are some of KJ Martin Jr.'s statistics from his time in the NBA. These numbers show how he has performed in different areas of the game.

NBA Regular Season Stats

About KJ's Family

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