NBA NEWS

NBA veteran Martin calls it a career after 15 years

The Sports Xchange

July 02, 2015 at 9:20 pm.

Martin, 37, appeared in just 11 games for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, averaging career lows of 1.8 points and 1.7 rebounds. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Concluding a 15-year NBA career, forward Kenyon Martin announced his retirement Thursday.

Martin, 37, appeared in just 11 games for the Milwaukee Bucks last season, averaging career lows of 1.8 points and 1.7 rebounds.

“It’s been a great 15 years,” Martin told Yahoo Sports. “Thanks to all the fans that supported me over the years. But a time does come when you have to walk away, and the time is now for me. I’m ready for the next chapter of my life.”

The No. 1 overall pick by the New Jersey Nets in the 2000 draft out of the University of Cincinnati, Martin made the all-rookie team and was an All-Star in 2004.

He spent his first four seasons in New Jersey, where he had his best success, posting career-high scoring averages of 16.7 in 2002-03 and 2003-04.

Martin subsequently spent seven seasons with the Denver Nuggets, where he had his best rebounding season in 2006-07 at 10 boards per game.

He concluded his career by playing one season for the Los Angeles Clippers, two for the New York Knicks and one for the Bucks.

In 757 career games, Martin averaged 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

Bucks forward Jabari Parker tweeted Thursday, “Had a chance to be amongst one of my childhood idols, Kenyon Martin. God bless you and thanks for all the wisdom. Much love @KenyonMartinSr”