Kris Humphries: NJ Nets Forward Proving He Is More Than Kim Kardashian's Ex

New Jersey Nets starting power forward Kris Humphries is starting to prove that he is more than just a reality star. Last season, Kris Humphries stepped his game up and played his way into the starting lineup. 

He averaged 10 points and 10.4 rebounds per game last year with limited playing time in the beginning of the season. Humphries did not become a big name around the league until he married and divorced reality star Kim Kardashian.

People may not think he is a serious NBA player because of this, but he is proving them all wrong and demanding respect as an NBA power forward.

The Nets re-signed Kris Humphries to a one-year deal worth $8 million, just days before the season was about to get underway. And if people thought that the whole reality thing would be a distraction, "Hump" is proving them wrong.

Kris Humphries started this season as the Nets starting power forward. In seven games, Humphries has averaged 13.3 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. Not only has he been able to continue the success that he had last year, he has been able to put up even better numbers.

If you compare "Hump" last season to other power forwards last season, you can see that he ranks among the best in the league. While he was most certainly not the best player at his position, he had very similar statistics to some of the top players.

Even with less playing time, Humphries averaged more rebounds per game than Amar'e Stoudemire, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan.

This season, Humphries again has more rebounds per game than these four players. He also has more points per game than Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett this season.

With Brook Lopez out, Humphries has had to take the responsibility of being the best "big man" on the Nets. The Nets are struggling to find consistency on the team, and one of the few good things about this season is the play of Kris Humphries.

If he can maintain this play, he will average a double-double for the second season in a row. This will help him in shedding the image of the "guy who was married to Kim Kardashian for 72 days." It will also get him respect around the league and a future long-term contract.