Kevin Martin NBA fans will always remember him as one of the most underrated scorers of his time. Though he never made an All-Star Game, Martin quietly built a reputation for putting up big points with a unique, smooth shooting style. He played over a decade in the league and made a strong impact on several teams with his calm demeanor and clutch scoring.
Let’s take a look back at Kevin Martin’s NBA journey, how he made a name for himself, and why his game still deserves recognition today.
Kevin Martin played college basketball at Western Carolina University, a small school in North Carolina. Even though it wasn’t a basketball powerhouse, Martin stood out with his scoring. He averaged over 20 points per game in college and declared for the 2004 NBA Draft.
He was picked 26th overall by the Sacramento Kings. Many fans didn’t know who he was at the time, but he didn’t take long to change that.
In Sacramento, Martin quickly became one of the team’s best offensive players. His shot wasn’t traditional—he had an unorthodox form—but it went in. A lot.
His breakout came in the 2006–2007 season when he averaged 20.2 points per game. The next year, he averaged nearly 24 points per game and proved he was more than just a role player—he was a reliable scorer.
He wasn’t flashy, but he was effective. Martin would drive to the basket, draw fouls, and hit free throws at an elite rate.
What made Kevin Martin NBA fans take notice was his shooting form. It looked a little strange—off to the side, a quick flick—but it worked.
He also mastered the art of drawing contact and getting to the free-throw line. In his prime, he shot over 85% from the line and often led his team in attempts.
Martin wasn’t the fastest or strongest player, but he was smart. He knew how to move without the ball, find open spots, and make defenders pay.
After his time with the Kings, Martin was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2010. There, he kept scoring at a high level, averaging over 23 points per game in his first full season.
He later joined the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he had a chance to contribute to a playoff team. Though he wasn’t the main star—he played alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook—he accepted his role and brought veteran scoring off the bench.
In the 2012–2013 season, he helped the Thunder finish with the best record in the Western Conference.
Martin joined the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2013, where he again played a big role. Even with a young roster, he brought experience and scoring consistency.
He had one of his best games in 2014, scoring 37 points in a win. Injuries began to slow him down in his later years, but he still managed to be effective when healthy.
His last NBA stop was with the San Antonio Spurs in 2016. He played a few playoff games with them before stepping away from basketball.
Kevin Martin’s career numbers show how effective he was as a scorer:
He never made an All-Star team, but many believe he deserved at least one selection during his prime years. He was a consistent 20-point scorer on multiple teams and one of the best at drawing fouls in the league.
After retiring, Kevin Martin has stayed mostly out of the spotlight. He’s spent more time with family and worked on community projects.
He’s also been involved with youth basketball programs, helping younger players develop their skills—especially shooting. Given his unique form and high efficiency, his advice carries weight.
Martin has kept his legacy humble, just like his career. No drama, no flash—just results.
In an era filled with high-flying dunks and flashy passes, Kevin Martin NBA success reminds us that great players don’t always need the spotlight.
He was:
He played for the love of the game and never tried to be something he wasn’t. Fans who watched him during his prime remember just how good he was—even if he didn’t make daily highlight reels.
Kevin Martin may not be the first name that comes up in NBA conversations today, but real fans remember his impact. He was a silent scorer who could light up the scoreboard on any given night.
From small school standout to NBA veteran, Martin carved out a strong career built on work ethic, skill, and focus. His story proves that with dedication and intelligence, you don’t need to be loud to make a big noise.
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