KJ Martin Climbed Boban Mountain! Wow!

The new KJ McDaniels?

 

Maybe we drafted Shawn Marion Jr and not Kenyon Martin Jr? But seriously does anyone get Marion vibes from Martin? Marion was longer but Martin appears to be able to make up for his shorter wingspan with ridiculous hops and quick spring in his legs and ability to block with his left hand. Can guard the perimeter but also protect the basket. Always hustling and playing 110% no matter the situation. Bad shooting form but good enough not to leave alone. Excels in transition due to ridiculous athleticism and ability to finish as well as surprising handles.

Anyways, Martin still has a ways to go to get to Marion's level but I can definitely see the comp and it is not just because of the shooting form. Martin can develop into a 2 way beast if he keeps working on his game. All accounts are that he has a great work ethic and a good kid. We all know his dad played his ass off although he was a knucklehead at times so he obviously has that same motor that his dad does but not sure about his dad's work ethic which I don't think was the greatest. Either way, he comes from good pedigree and could even hit another growth spurt although unlikely you never know.

He should pattern himself after Marion who made a living as one of the better 2 way SF/PF players the game has seen that could do everything on the court including seasons of averaging 2 steals a game and 1.5 blocks a game while averaging 10+ rebounds a game due to instinct, motor and skill/athleticism. Marion made 4 all-star teams knowing his role and playing it well on both ends of the floor. I would be ecstatic if Martin can resemble Marion at any point in his career but I do see a lot of similarities in their games and expect Martin to work hard so the sky is the limit if he puts in the work.

 

Here is a great article about Marion and what made him so good. Lots of references to Hakeem in terms of ability to score, get rebounds, steals and blocks at an elite level. It was unheard of back then and he is one of the ones that made the game transition to position-less basketball.

https://www.nba.com/suns/features/shawn-marion-versatility-ahead-his-time#

Below is the best quote from the article. Hopefully KMj can harness some of that athleticism and motor into a rotational player and then continue improving from there. He definitely needs plenty of run time in the G-league to continue working on his game in a real game setting for 30+ minutes a night.

While never the tallest guy in the paint, he was often the best leaper. Ranking first in Suns history in doubles-doubles (343) and second in rebounds (6,616), Marion’s hops and quick reflexes made opposing players look as if they were moving in slow motion, sort of like The Matrix.

“The quickest second jumper that I’ve ever seen in the NBA,” Suns Ring of Honor member Jerry Colangelo said. “If he didn’t get the rebound the first time, he was jumping a second time while people were still coming down.”

 

Why doesn’t he jsut focus on being a forward?Dont like him at the 5 even in a small ball lineup

 

Like his potential. Look forward to seeing what he does in G league with more time and shots.

 

Very similar skillset. McDaniels is still hanging out in the G-league all these years later. You have to be able to work on an outside shot and not get lost in positioning in team defensive sets. Hopefully Martin can do what KJ couldn't.