Kenyon Martin Jr.

BIOGRAPHY

Kenyon Lee “KJ” Martin Jr. was born on January 6, 2001. Anchoring his roots in basketball royalty, the passion for the sport ran deep as he is the son of Kenyon Martin, a player who graced the National Basketball Association (NBA) leagues for fifteen years following his first overall selection in the 2000 NBA Draft. Starting his journey in basketball, Kenyon Jr. spent his early years in southern California, honing his skills and developing his love for the game.

Raised in an atmosphere encouraging sportsmanship and determination, KJ attended Oaks Christian High School. However, his career in basketball did not commence immediately. He spent his freshman year focusing on academics after being homeschooled early in the school year. Simultaneously, he dedicated his time to mastering and fine-tuning the nuances of the game.

His sophomore year marked a vital turn in his life as he enrolled in Chaminade College Preparatory. Here, he got the chance to play the sport he loved, starting his basketball career with enthusiasm and fervor. Gaining recognition for his dedication and talent, Martin rapidly became a critical part of his school team.

Elevating his prowess on the court, Martin transferred to Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California. As part of the potent trio featuring Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cassius Stanley, his performance was outstanding. Averaging 16.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, he was a critical component of the back-to-back California Open Division champions.

Martin’s performance at Sierra Canyon caught the attention of reputed sports institutes. Initially, he commited himself to Vanderbilt University. However, he chose to engage in a postgraduate year at IMG Academy, broadening his horizons and honing his skills further. Martin’s performance at IMG was nothing short of extraordinary. Averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per game, he drew praise and attention from fans and critics alike, scoring 37 points at the National Prep Showcase.

On March 24, 2020, Martin made the pivotal decision to declare for the NBA Draft. Selected by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft as the 52nd pick, KJ etched the first line of his professional career. However, destiny had a different plan, leading him to the Houston Rockets in a trade deal in November 2020.

Kenyon Jr.’s association with the Rockets spanned three seasons, during which he played 79 of 82 games in one of them, started two, and recorded career-highs. He etched his place in the NBA with career highs in points per game (12.7), field goal percentage (.572), rebounds per game (5.5), and minutes per game (28.0). After expressing his desire for more playing time to the Rockets, Martin rose to become a full-time starter.

However, the Rockets era ended with Martin’s trade to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2023. His tenure, though, was remarkably short, spanning just two games. November 2023 brought another significant shift in Martin’s career as he landed with the Philadelphia 76ers in a multi-player deal. KJ landed with the Sixers, along with teammates Marcus Morris Sr., Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington, in exchange for James Harden, P. J. Tucker, and Filip Petrušev.

The second phase of Martin’s career began in Philadelphia, where he continued to showcase his basketball brilliance. Despite the twists and turns, his dedication and love for the sport never wavered—leading him to re-sign with the Sixers on July 15, 2024. The son of Kenyon Martin and Heather Martin remains driven by the same passion for basketball that first inspired him during his youth in California. His story serves as a reminder of resilience, determination, and an unwavering love for the game.