Kenyon Martin Retires: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

Longtime NBA power forward Kenyon Martin will retire from the NBA after 15 seasons.

Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports had an exclusive report on Martin's decision on Thursday, which featured his reasoning for calling it a career:

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It's been a great 15 years...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. I would like to thank the Nets, Nuggets, Clippers, Knicks and Bucks for the opportunity to play the game that I love. It's been real. Thanks for the love.

"

Martin also explained he would be interested in coaching if an opportunity arose, but his primary post-basketball focus will be on business and family.

He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2000 draft, and although he did have a solid pro career and was a 2004 All-Star, he never quite lived up to that billing. Remarkable athleticism and basketball instincts allowed Martin to put together highlight-reel dunks and make other big splash plays; however, he wasn't consistent considering his level of talent.

Martin spent time with five different teams, averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest. Most of his playing days were with the Nets franchise that drafted him and the Denver Nuggets, who acquired him from the Nets in a trade after the 2003-04 campaign.

Injuries played a hand in Martin's sporadic production. Just before he turned pro, he broke his right leg playing for Cincinnati in the Conference USA tournament. He also underwent surgery on both knees toward the beginning of his stint with the Nuggets.

Following his second and third years as a pro, Martin was a part of Nets teams that played in the NBA Finals, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio, respectively. He last suited up for Milwaukee, playing just 11 games in 2014-15 before being waived.

The end has been nigh for Martin for a while, as he played in a total of only 61 total contests over the past three seasons. It appears he's open to still being around the game, and it would be interesting to see what he could do if he does go down a coaching avenue.