Kenyon Martin added another line on the resume yesterday, one that should help when it comes to negotiating a new contract this summer: 2003-04 All-Star.
Martin and no-brainer choice Jason Kidd were named among the reserves for the Eastern Conference team headed to Los Angeles for the All-Star Game on Feb. 15.
Richard Jefferson, who some felt had a shot, was not selected in the voting by NBA coaches.
“I didn’t dream about being in the NBA, really. I didn’t realize I could play in the NBA until my junior year in college,” said Martin, leading the Nets in both scoring (17.5) and rebounding (9.7).
“So I got here and found out that hard work pays off. It makes you work even harder. Four years in, guys go their whole career without being an All-Star. So I’m very fortunate.”
The selection gives the 6-foot-9 Martin some contract ammo. He had sought a maximum extension last summer and was denied. This summer, he’ll be a restricted free agent, meaning the Nets can match any offer. Martin admittedly was ticked off last summer when he did not get what he sought.
“When the time comes and if they still feel the same way, then, yeah, I can add this to my resume,” said Martin, who is back at it with the Nets tonight against the resurgent Heat at the Meadowlands. “Not a bad thing to add.”
Martin is the ninth Net so honored and one of four first-timers on the East team, along with Jamaal Magloire of the Hornets, Indiana’s Ron Artest and Milwaukee’s Michael Redd. Completing the reserve unit are Baron Davis of the Hornets and Boston’s Paul Pierce.
Kidd, a seven-time All-Star, made it for the third time as a Net, a feat only Buck Williams accomplished. The six Net All-Stars were one-timers with New Jersey (Otis Birdsong, Micheal Ray Richardson, Derrick Coleman, Kenny Anderson, Jayson Williams and Stephon Marbury). The only other time the Nets had two All-Stars was 1993-94, when Coleman and Anderson were both starters.
“This franchise has come a long way,” observed Martin, a member of the U.S. Olympic qualifying team with Jefferson and Kidd last summer. “I have to talk to JKidd; he’s been part of a few. I’ll talk to Jay and see how it’s going to be because I don’t know what to expect.”
The selection, Martin said, was especially gratifying because of “just where I came from. Coming in my rookie year, being injured (broken leg), us winning 26 games and three years later, I’m here.”
Martin felt he was deserving last year, but the coaches didn’t agree. So last year, Martin was where Jefferson is now.
“He’s probably in the same situation I was in last year. They always say you’ll make it the year after you’re supposed to,” said Martin, who claimed he wanted to share his moment with “everybody, my mom, my sister, my wife. My son, if he could understand, but he can’t right now . . . Just my entire family man, and Coach [Bob] Huggins [of Cincinnati]. I’m getting ready to call to tell him.”
While Martin admits he was a little antsy, some around the Nets were certain he was deserving, although there have been strange votes in the past.
“From where I’m sitting, Kenyon is certainly deserving,” said Net CEO Rod Thorn. “He compares very favorably with all the forwards in the East.”
NBA ALL-STAR ROSTERS
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Starters
Player Pos Team
Vince Carter F Toronto
Allen Iverson G Philadelphia
Tracy McGrady G-F Orlando
Jermaine O’Neal C-F Indiana
Ben Wallace C Detroit
Reserves
Ron Artest F Indiana
Baron Davis G New Orleans
Jason Kidd G Nets
Jamaal Magloire C New Orleans
Kenyon Martin F Nets
Paul Pierce G-F Boston
Michael Redd G Milwaukee
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Starters
Player Pos Team
Kobe Bryant G L.A. Lakers
Tim Duncan F San Antonio
Steve Francis G Houston
Kevin Garnett F Minnesota
Yao Ming C Houston
Reserves
Ray Allen G Seattle
Sam Cassell G Minnesota
Andrei Kirilenko F Utah
Brad Miller C Sacramento
Dirk Nowitzki F-C Dallas
Shaquille O’Neal C L.A. Lakers
Peja Stojakovic G Sacramento
