Draft status symbol

Kenyon Martin's broken leg has turned him from consensus No. 1 pick into potential gamble.

By ROGER MILLS

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 27, 2000

For virtually all of the most recent college basketball season, he was the tourist attraction. He was an impressive power forward who ran like a sprinter and swatted shots like a giant bothered by a gnat. They called him the Grand Kenyon.

But when Cincinnati's Kenyon Martin broke his right fibula in the Bearcats' Conference USA tournament opener March 9, that reputation took a hit.

The player who once was the consensus No. 1 pick in this year's NBA draft has become the consensus mystery.

Martin did not participate in any pre-draft camp or conduct a full workout for any team. A pin was removed from the leg two weeks ago, and Martin was cleared for moderate physical activity Wednesday. Teams have been left wondering whether the leg is healed. "I'm walking; that's the first step," Martin said. "I've been cool, chillin', just relaxing. I don't have to be ready to play until September."

Therein lies the biggest question: Is he worth the gamble?

"You're talking about a big, mobile player who can cover (the forward and center positions) and who gives you tremendous flexibility across the front line," said Nets president Rod Thorn, whose team has the No. 1 pick Wednesday. "With Jayson Williams being in the condition he's in, we need to take a really close look at (Martin) because he would give to the team some of the things Jayson would."

At issue is whether Martin, 23 -- who averaged 18.9 points, 9.7 rebounds and a 3.45 blocks, and was named college player of the year -- should go ahead of players who are less of a risk.

"If we had to play a game today, I think the best player in the draft is Kenyon Martin, if he's healthy," Celtics general manager Chris Wallace said. "But that's not the sole criteria. You have to look down the road at the upside issue. With the new collective bargaining agreement, it's enhanced a team's chances of retaining its players long term. You're drafting for a career, not just next year."

Four players have pulled even with Martin on the draft board: Center Chris Mihm of Texas, forwards Stromile Swift of LSU and Marcus Fizer of Iowa State, and East St. Louis (Ill.) High phenom Darius Miles, a 6-foot-9 high flyer who reminds observers of the Timberwolves' Kevin Garnett. The dilemma over Martin has gripped the Nets, Grizzlies, Clippers, Bulls and Magic, the teams who might have a chance at getting him.

Martin, a 69, 230-pounder, visited the Nets and Grizzlies and was examined extensively by team doctors.

"The main thing was they wanted him to see their doctors," Martin's agent, Dan Fegan, told the Cincinnati Enquirer of the Nets visit. "I think they like him a lot. They'd be crazy not to take him."

One intriguing rumor has the Magic trading up to take Martin. The Magic, who also brought in Martin for a visit, needs a low-post scoring force, and Martin would fit nicely with coach Doc Rivers' running philosophy.

Magic general manager John Gabriel has made it clear whom he considers the top player in the draft.

"It should be Kenyon Martin, who will be a phenomenal shot blocker immediately at our level," Gabriel said. "I don't know that many other big men can stay with him in a footrace down the floor."

Martin is saying the right things.

"I don't want to get caught up in being first and then it doesn't happen and I'll be disappointed," he said. "I try not to disappoint myself over stuff I have no control."

If Martin is the top pick, it will be because the team taking him is convinced his dominating play for the Bearcats and his steady improvement under coach Bob Huggins will translate into immediate results. "Upside has always been important, but so many of the guys you're looking at these days -- even at the top reaches of the lottery -- are down-the-road guys," Wallace said. "We're all just basically betting on the future. ... Kenyon Martin is a rare exception. (He is) the guy you project to come in and pay immediate dividends."

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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