Fansided

Knicks agree to deal with Kenyon Martin

By Brad Rowland

May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kenyon Martin (3) and Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) battle for position in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kenyon Martin (3) and Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) battle for position in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kenyon Martin (3) and Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) battle for position in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Knicks power forward Kenyon Martin (3) and Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) battle for position in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

There are only a few “impact” pieces left on the NBA free agent market, but on Tuesday, the New York Knicks made a move to lock up a potentially important player. Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski broke the official news (as usual) in a Tweet:

The move to lock down Martin wasn’t surprising, as the two sides had reportedly been in talks previously, but with the news that it is official, New York fans can begin planning on having his services. Martin played very well in a short-term role with the Knicks last season, averaging 7.2 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in only 23.9 minutes. However, Martin played only 18 games with New York after arriving from China, and he has had a documented injury history in recent seasons.

The frontcourt is now likely “set” for the Knicks, but the news, even with Martin in the fold, isn’t particularly pretty. Amare Stoudemire remains the issue, but with Tyson Chandler and Carmelo Anthony rested and healthy by the start of the season, they could be effective. Kenyon Martin isn’t the “game-changer” that he used to be as a former #1 overall pick, but he can certainly provide defensive insurance, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him on the court in crunch time if the Carmelo/Amare duo struggles together.

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