Kevin Martin has announced his retirement in a printed ad published in the Zanesville Times Recorder, the local newspaper in the city where he grew up and went to high school. Martin played 12 years in the NBA, finishing his career last year with the San Antonio Spurs.
Kevin Martin announces retirement after 12 years in the NBA
After playing for five teams, Martin said he’ll be retiring in an ad published in his hometown newspaper.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The 33-year-old Martin was an explosive scorer best known for his unorthodox jump shot, winding up from his hip but shooting 43.7 percent during his career. Martin started his career with the Sacramento Kings in 2004 and played with four more franchises: the Rockets, the Thunder, and the Timberwolves before ending up with the Spurs.
In his retirement ad, Martin thanked his family for their support, recalled his childhood friends that he grew up playing basketball with, and pledged $100,000 from the Kevin Martin Youth Foundation to “enhance the talents of our young children, on and off the sporting field.” An excerpt of the letter is below, but you can read the full letter here.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. There’s not a more perfect day for me to express those feelings. There are so many ways to announce your after professional career plans. My family and close friends have known since June of the direction I wanted my life to go. Those were the toughest conversations that I have ever had but with the ultimate support I knew I was making the right decision.
At his best, the 6’7 guard was a lethal jump shooter who was more than capable of getting to the rim. His career high came in Sacramento, when he scored 50 points against the Warriors in 2009.
Martin averaged 17.4 points on 44 percent shooting in his six seasons in Sacramento. He was dealt to Houston in a deal involving Tracy McGrady in 2010, before being part of the package sent to Oklahoma City in exchange for James Harden before the 2012-13 season. Martin only reached the playoffs three times in his career — 2006 with the Kings, 2013 with the Thunder, and 2016 with San Antonio.
Martin finishes his career with 714 games played and 12,396 points scored.
See More:
