Yesterday, the New York Knicks reached an agreement to bring back Kenyon Martin for the veterans minimum ($1.4 million). K-Mart was a late season pick-up for the Knicks last season, after a flurry of injuries to Amar’e Stoudemire, Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace. Martin signed a 10-day contract with the Knicks on February 23rd, and then signed for the rest of the season on March 15th.
In 18 games with the Knicks last season, K-Mart averaged 7.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. His stats do not show how important he was to the depleted front line, with the Knicks going 9-2 in the 11 games Martin started in. Bringing back Martin means the Knicks now have 6 Power Forwards or Centers on the team, after agreeing to a deal with rookie PF C.J. Leslie earlier this off-season. Joining K-Mart and Leslie are, Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and Andrea Bargnani. As Knick fans could see last year, adding depth to the front line is invaluable in today’s NBA.
With the signing of K-Mart, the Knicks now have 3 roster spots to fill, and GM Glen Grunwald would like to reserve at least 1 or 2 of those spots for a Point Guard. He also wants to see that if any training camp invitees impress enough to make the roster for the 2013-2014 season.
What do you think of the addition of K-Mart?
Justin Lerner: PureSportsNY