I'm tempted to just move on because it is clear that I have not been even kind of negative in this thread. I harangued the OP for ludicrously saying that Martin was a better prospect than Porter (an opinion I don't think is controversial). But in the same post I complimented Martin's recent play. I did point out later that he has short arms but that's just a fact. Finally I called John Wall's contract one of the hardest to move in the NBA. Where was I hating on anybody? You're the one who quoted the OP's rant minimizing Porter's mental health history, not me bucko.
To me, KJ is a legitimately exciting prospect. What we've seen is his floor, and his maturity, bball IQ and composure keep that floor pretty high even when his shot has been off. Mentally he is the exact opposite of Terrence Jones and I don't see why he can't reach his full potential, barring injury
KJ's ceiling is an elite role player like Draymond Green. Not that they are the same player or have the same strengths, but based on their player profile I don't think either could ever become a elite 1st option, but can be elite at other things that help a team win.
Now averaging over 39% from 3 point land. I didn't see that coming. He doesn't look like a high volume shooter (like Olynyk is), but if he can shoot in the high 30s, and add a bit of bulk while retaining his athleticism, he's a very useful puzzle piece.
I don't really think there's a ceiling on his game IMO. I've heard Gerald Wallace or Harrison Barnes. I mean you just don't know how well someone will expand their game to be able to start creating shots for themselves or within the offense, and if they improve their 3 point shot enough, when the defense guards you differently as a shooter, how you are then going to be able to counter and create going to the paint. What I do know is the guy has elite athleticism. Like otherworldly, and he's a quick learner. He already knows how to impact the game, and you have to stay in the game for enough minutes to then expand your game. So we'll see. I think the best thing would be for KJ to play big minutes with better players where he can be the most impactful right now, and shore up what is needed for him to expand... which is consistently hitting the 3 (I know he's looked good lately). I do think he can be an All-Star caliber player for sure.
I am very interested by what an offseason will do to him. Over the course of the season, he's gone from a non-shooter to borderline elite knockdown 3 point numbers. To your point, he seems to be a quick learner. It'll be interesting what he adds to his game in his first real offseason. Fit will also be curious. His lack of bulk make him a tough fit at the 4 next to C Wood, but his athleticism and found money from 3 make it more possible for him to slide down to the 3. A Martin-Wood-Evan Mobley front line would be fun to watch (even if Nurkic would have a field day).
Pulled 3 of his rookie cards today. Will need to get them graded. Officially on the Kenyon Martin Jr hypetrain.
A dumb question: Why is he call "KJ Martin" when his name is Kenyon Lee Martin Jr.? Should his initial be KJM or KMJ?
It really is a shame that KJ isn't taller. If he was 6'10 he'd be an all-star already. That said though I really like his attitude and how he appears to be steadily improving throughout the season. If he can keep improving his shooting and handles and we get an elite playmaker in there with him he can be an even better version of what Bruce Brown was with Harden in Brooklyn.
Interesting player. Like Wood, we really need a creator (or a willingly creator in Wall which is unlikely) to put them in better positions. I don't see star, but maybe a mini version of John Collins. Without a legit creator, we just kind of have a bunch of amorphous prospects.
