The defense has been there. Now the offense is coming for Kenyon Martin.

The Nets’ forward who prides himself on defense got off to a rocky offensive start this season, shooting just .365 after four games with a 12.0 scoring average. After a 9-of-13 shooting, 21-point game last night, Martin, the draft’s No. 1 pick last year, was shooting 56 percent (28-of-50) while averaging 16.3 points.

“It’s better shot selection, not taking as many jumpers,” explained Martin. “It’s getting the ball in the paint and starting inside and then going out, instead of starting out and going in. It’s just better shot selection and not taking the first shot they give me.”

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The Nets are beginning to realize that there definitely is a purpose to Jason Kidd‘s seeming verbal madness.

When Kidd arrived from Phoenix, he proclaimed the Nets as contenders for the playoffs and capable of playing .500 ball. Some listened, smiled and lit a candle for his sanity. And then two days ago, Kidd said the Nets would no longer be the No. 2 team in the area.

“Anything you do has to have a purpose. Me saying that in the summer, some people probably thought I was crazy,” Kidd said. “But I was sending a message that we’re going to compete and play hard. If you compete in this league, most of the time you’ll come out with a ‘W.’ “

Again asked if the Nets are No. 2, Kidd replied, “We’re not. Right now, we’ll sit in second place, but we’re like a race car. We’ll just drag until it’s time to pass. It’ll be before the race is over.”

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Todd MacCulloch, a 16-point, 7-rebound contributor to the Nets’ triumph last night, intends to renew acquaintances with his former mentor and teammate in Philadelphia for a half-season, Dikembe Mutombo, when the Sixers invade the Meadowlands tonight. MacCulloch will exchange pleasantries and smile blankly. Why?

“I won’t understand him,” MacCulloch deadpanned. “My French isn’t good enough for him.”