NBA Rumors: Kenyon Martin Would Make Miami Heat Championship Favorites

Multiple sources, including slamonline.com, have come out and said that Kenyon Martin is in the process of making the decision to play for one of five teams in the NBA.

The teams are: Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and Miami Heat.

It is clear that Martin wants to play for a contender, and there is no reason he should not sign with the Heat.

It is no secret that they are the favorite to win the championship, and at this point in Martin's career, all he wants to do is win.

Many people believe that the Heat have the most complete roster in the league, which is not a far-fetched statement.

Pat Riley has put together an amazing team and all the right role players to complement the Big Three.

However, Martin would increase the Heat's percentage of winning a championship this year, and here's why.

Toughness

It seems like every year, the teams that make it far in the playoffs are the ones with that tough guy on their team that nobody wants a piece of.

Last year for the Dallas Mavericks, it was DeShawn Stevenson. The Los Angeles Lakers have Metta World Peace. The San Antonio Spurs had Bruce Bowen.

Kenyon Martin could bring that toughness and fearlessness to a Heat team that doesn't really have anyone to fill that role right now.

Martin has never backed down from anyone in his career, and I don't expect him to start now.

More Experience

Kenyon Martin has been in the league for 10 years and could bring some valuable years of experience to the Miami Heat.

He could be particularly beneficial to some of the young guys on the team and could mentor Joel Anthony as he continues to improve.

Many people forget the battles he was in as a New Jersey Net with the likes of the Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal Los Angeles Lakers.

Martin is a proven producer in the postseason, leaving New Jersey with 18 playoff double-doubles, the most in Nets history.

Another Big Body

Although Chris Bosh put on some muscle during the offseason, it is no secret that he prefers not to have to play the 4.

The Miami Heat do have their fair share of big men, including co-captain Chris Bosh, Joel Anthony, Eddy Curry and co-captain Udonis Haslem, but there is no doubt in my mind that Erik Spoelstra would find a spot for Kenyon Martin in the rotation.

Martin would arguably be the Heat's best big man defender down the stretch and brings more on the offensive end than Joel Anthony.

He would also just be another big body. Someone else to throw at the likes of Andrew Bynum or Dwight Howard down the stretch. Like I said, he backs down from no one.

Defensive Minded

Throughout Kenyon Martin's career, he has averaged double-figure points.  But at this point in his career, he is more of a defensive stopper than anything else.

The Miami Heat are already one of the top defensive teams in the league, and Martin would fit right in.

With his shot-blocking skills and long and athletic build, Martin still has the ability to shut big men down.

Instead of Chris Bosh taking the assignment of marquee big men, Martin could clock in, and Bosh could focus more on the offensive end, which would be very beneficial for the Heat.

Can Finish at the Rim

Kenyon Martin can finish at the rim, and although Joel Anthony has shown significant improvement in this aspect of his game, Martin has proven time and time again throughout his career that he can get the job done down low.

Although he is only 6'9", Martin is a force in the paint and still one of the more versatile and athletic big men in the league today.

Won't Be Asked to Do Too Much

Like I said before, the Miami Heat already have a roster full of solid big men.

Although Udonis Haslem is not playing his best basketball, he will continue to get minutes for Miami behind Chris Bosh.

I would expect Kenyon Martin to see most of his minutes at the 5 spot, and I believe he would fit right in.  He would not be asked to do much on the offensive end, and on the other side of the ball, all he has to do is simply anchor an already impressive Heat defense.

Miami is the best fit for Martin for many reasons, but that's the main one.

He would be asked to do too much on the other teams interested in him, but on the Heat, his responsibilities would be scarce.

Nevertheless, his impact would be significant.