History of Kenyon Martin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 18, 2026

Kenyon Martin is a retired American professional basketball player who spent 15 seasons in the NBA. A power forward, Martin played for several teams, including the New Jersey Nets, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks. Before his NBA career, he played college basketball at the University of Cincinnati, where he earned national player of the year honors. The New Jersey Nets selected Martin as the first overall pick in the 2000 NBA draft. His achievements include being named an NBA All-Star in 2004.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 30, 1977: Kenyon Martin Born

On December 30, 1977, Kenyon Lee Martin Sr. was born. He would later become a professional basketball player.

1996: Graduation from Bryan Adams High School

In 1996, Kenyon Martin graduated from Bryan Adams High School in Dallas.

1997: Recorded first triple double vs DePaul

In 1997, Kenyon Martin recorded 24 points, 23 rebounds and 10 blocks vs. DePaul

1999: Senior Year Statistics

In 1999, during his senior year, Kenyon Martin averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game.

April 25, 2000: Cincinnati Retired his Jersey

On April 25, 2000, Cincinnati retired Kenyon Martin's #4 jersey.

October 31, 2000: NBA Debut

On October 31, 2000, Kenyon Martin made his NBA debut with the New Jersey Nets against the Cleveland Cavaliers, recording 10 points and 7 rebounds. He was later named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

2000: Drafted into the NBA and named College Player of the Year

In 2000, Kenyon Martin was drafted first overall in the NBA draft by the New Jersey Nets. He was also named the national college player of the year.

2000: Consensus National Player of the Year

In 2000, Kenyon Martin was named the consensus National Player of the Year and suffered a broken leg during the Conference USA Tournament.

2002: NBA Finals Appearance with the Nets

In 2002, Kenyon Martin, along with his teammates, led the Nets to the NBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers.

January 29, 2003: Career-Best 21 Rebounds

On January 29, 2003, Kenyon Martin recorded a career-best 21 rebounds, along with 19 points and eight assists, in a win against the Washington Wizards.

2003: Traded to the Denver Nuggets

At the end of the 2003-04 season, Kenyon Martin was traded to the Denver Nuggets.

2004: NBA All-Star Selection

In 2004, Kenyon Martin was selected as a backup forward for the Eastern Conference All-Stars and scored 17 points in the NBA All-Star Game.

2004: Played 70 Games During Season

In 2004-2005 season, Kenyon Martin played 70 games, averaging 15.5 points and 7.3 rebounds.

May 16, 2005: Microfracture Surgery on Left Knee

On May 16, 2005, Kenyon Martin underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee.

2005: Suspended from Denver Nuggets

During the 2005-06 playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers, Kenyon Martin was suspended from the Denver Nuggets for conduct detrimental to the team due to an argument with head coach George Karl.

November 15, 2006: Second Knee Operation

On November 15, 2006, Kenyon Martin underwent his second knee operation in less than two years, making him the first NBA player to return from microfracture surgery on both knees.

2006: Fined by the NBA

In 2006, Kenyon Martin was fined $15,000 by the NBA for a verbal altercation with fans during a game against the Chicago Bulls.

2007: Changed Uniform Number

For the 2007-08 season, Kenyon Martin changed his uniform number from 6 to 4, symbolizing a fresh start to his career.

2009: Inducted into High School Hall of Fame

In 2009, Kenyon Martin was inducted into the Bryan Adams High School Hall of Fame.

December 24, 2011: Released from Xinjiang Flying Tigers

On December 24, 2011, Kenyon Martin was released from the Xinjiang Flying Tigers so that he could "take care of family affairs".

February 3, 2012: Signed with the Los Angeles Clippers

On February 3, 2012, Kenyon Martin signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring six points in his first game.

February 15, 2012: Initial Date for NBA Return

Kenyon Martin was initially not allowed to return to the NBA until the Flying Tigers' season ended on February 15, 2012.

February 21, 2013: Agreed to join the New York Knicks

On February 21, 2013, Kenyon Martin agreed to join the New York Knicks on a 10-day contract, reuniting him with Jason Kidd.

July 25, 2013: Re-signed with the New York Knicks

On July 25, 2013, Kenyon Martin re-signed with the New York Knicks for the 2013-14 season.

January 9, 2015: Signed with the Milwaukee Bucks

On January 9, 2015, Kenyon Martin signed a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.

February 2, 2015: Final NBA Game

On February 2, 2015, Kenyon Martin played his final NBA game in a win against the Toronto Raptors, recording 4 points and 3 rebounds.

February 19, 2015: Waived by the Milwaukee Bucks

On February 19, 2015, Kenyon Martin was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks.

July 3, 2015: Retirement Announcement

On July 3, 2015, Kenyon Martin announced his retirement from professional basketball.

March 24, 2020: Son Declared for NBA Draft

On March 24, 2020, Kenyon Martin's son, Kenyon Martin Jr., declared for the 2020 NBA draft.

2024: Last American-born college senior to be top overall pick

As of 2024, Kenyon Martin remains the last American-born college senior to have been the top overall pick in the NBA draft.

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