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Chat Reel: Kenyon Martin

Nets Rookie starting to hit his stride

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's All-Star chat with Kenyon Martin. Welcome Kenyon and thanks for joining us.
Kenyon Martin: Thanks for having me.

From MK in Rochester, N.Y.: Kenyon, first of all congratulations on a great career at Cincinnati. What is the biggest difference between the college game and the NBA game, and how much of an impact has Keith Van Horn's return had on your game?
Kenyon Martin: Thank you. The biggest difference is the pace of the game and understanding the game. The guys here are a lot bigger and faster. And Keith's return has helped not only me but also the entire team in a number of ways. It frees up Stephon Marbury because teams can't double team him as much.

From GavinNets: How will Jamie Feick's return affect your role on the team?
Kenyon Martin: I don't think it will effect my role as much as some other guys. He's a rebounder, and we've had some problems on the glass. So he will help us in that area.

From EhloMint: Kenyon, what does that big chinese tattoo on your arm mean?
Kenyon Martin: Never satisfied.

From netsfan01: Being the No. 1 draft pick, did that put pressure on you to be the best rookie
Kenyon Martin: I don't think so. There is a lot of talent here in the NBA. All I can do is play my game. As long as we collect wins it's fine with me.

From Netman: Although the record doesn't reflect it, it seems Byron Scott has made a big impact on the team. How has he helped you?
Kenyon Martin: He has helped me in a number ways. He has taught us what it takes to win. He's been on teams that have won 67 games and teams that have lost 67 games so he has been on both sides of the fence.

From coolfrederick: How will the loss of Kendall Gill affect the team?
Kenyon Martin: It always hurts when you lose a player who is a key part of the team.

From Marty: Hello Kenyon, how would you describe your overall performance as a player during your rookie season in the NBA up to this point?
Kenyon Martin: It's been up and down. But as of late I've picked up my play. So for a number of weeks now I've been playing the way I'm capable of playing.

From GavinNets: A lot of rookies seem to hit a rookie wall about halfway through the season, but you seem to be getting better and more energized each game. Is that due to recovering from your leg, conditioning?
Kenyon Martin: Yes. I was in pain early on, but I still played through it. I was the No. 1 pick, and I wanted to prove that it wasn't a fluke, and I deserved to be the No. 1 pick.

From Edward Gillespie in Cincinnati: Who's been your toughest opponent this season and why?
Kenyon Martin: Jerry Stackhouse and Chris Webber. Stackhouse plays guard, and it's hard because he gets so many touches. Webber is just a beast.

From Manny Colon in Guttenberg, N.J.: Hello Kenyon, how has New Jersey treated you so far in your rookie season?
Kenyon Martin: The fans treat me pretty good. They seem to like someone who plays hard. The organization has treated me well also. It's hard losing games, but they are behind me.

From GavinNets: What has been your favorite road arena to play in? Are you looking forward to playing in Madison Square Garden? Please beat the Knicks.
Kenyon Martin: Philly was cool and Sacramento because their fans get into it. In reference to the Garden it doesn't really matter, because I have to play a basketball game regardless.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Kenyon Martin. Kenyon, thanks for joining us and have fun this weekend.
Kenyon Martin: Will do. It's my first All-Star game so I'm looking forward to it.

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