Kevin Martin’s New Look Will Bring the Attention He Deserves

If you ask any non-NBA faithful who Kevin Martin is, many will come back to you with a perplexed look and a shoulder shrug.

Although he was sixth in the league in scoring last year, many are unaware of his talents and he is probably the most underrated player in the league.

Martin, 25, played his college ball at Western Carolina University, not exactly ESPN’s top choice to put on “Game of the Week.” Because WCU (does anybody even call it WCU?) didn’t have the publicity of lets say a UNC or Kansas, Martin was unknown to the masses when he was drafted 16th in the 2004 draft.

His lanky physique (6-7,185lbs) and quiet demeanor also does not help with bringing attention to the young star.

However, it looks as if Martin will be a little more comfortable with his personality this year. He will be sporting a mohawk as a tribute to his grandfather, who wanted him to sport one before. Martin says,

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“My grandmother was on me because I didn’t shave down the sides lower,” he said. “I’m dedicating this season to my grandfather, who died this summer. It’s funny because a guy came up to me in Las Vegas and said he liked my Mohawk because it had waves.

“He said my stylist had skills. First of all, I don’t have a stylist.”

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Putting one of my favorite talking points—hairstyles—aside, I think it is about time fans and younger players begin to appreciate the skills of Martin, and I hope his new hairstyle brings attention to him this season.

If you watch his game, you know he is a prolific scorer who works hard to get open with the best of them. He knows how to use screens, can shoot from anywhere and shows a competitiveness about him that All-Stars share. He reminds of a player who is molded from likes of Reggie Miller and Richard Hamilton.

He has the work ethic and dedication to being one of the top players in the league. He spent the entire off-season working on his game from practicing with the Olympic team to attending the IMG skills academy in Florida.  Martin’s says his goals are to don the Olympic uniform in London and become an NBA All-Star this season.

I think his chances are just a mohawk away.