Kenyon Martin

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Lore & Background

Martin's tenure in Denver was immediately complicated by physical setbacks. Shortly into the off-season following his 2004–05 campaign, he underwent microfracture surgery on his left knee. The 2005–06 season saw him miss 26 games due to knee tendinitis, yet he returned for the playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers. Tensions peaked during halftime of game two when Martin argued with head coach George Karl over playing time and refused to play in the second half, leading to an indefinite suspension for "conduct detrimental to the team." The situation resolved in the offseason, but another injury struck quickly. Believing he was healed, Martin discovered swelling in his right knee required a second microfracture procedure on November 15, 2006, after playing only two regular-season games. He is believed to be the first NBA player to have and return from this surgery on both knees.

In Their Own Story

The turning point of Martin's Denver chapter came in November 2006 when he underwent his second knee operation in less than two years. This procedure marked a historic moment, as he became the first NBA player known to recover from microfracture surgery on both knees. Before this medical saga, there was drama on the court during the 2005–06 playoffs against the Clippers. Martin clashed with George Karl over minutes, refusing to return for the second half of game two. The suspension that followed was eventually lifted after they patched things up in the offseason. Off the court, Martin faced a fine of $15,000 from the NBA for a verbal altercation with fans during a 2006 game against the Chicago Bulls, where he also received a caution to stop bringing his entourage to games.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note that Martin wore number 4 in Denver starting in the 2007–08 season, changing from number 6 to honor his college days at Cincinnati. His career in Denver included averaging 15.5 points and 7.3 rebounds over 70 games in 2004–05 before injuries intervened. His time with the Nuggets was cut short by severe knee issues rather than trade or free agency until 2011. He remains a significant figure for his resilience as the first player to return from bilateral microfracture surgery.

Did You Know?

• Kenyon Martin is believed to be the first NBA player to have, and return from, microfracture surgery on both knees.
• He changed his uniform number from 6 to 4 in Denver for the 2007–08 season to symbolize a fresh start.
• Martin was suspended indefinitely by the Nuggets during the 2005–06 playoffs after arguing with coach George Karl and refusing to play the second half of a game against the Clippers.
• He played 70 games in his first Denver season (2004–05) before undergoing microfracture surgery on his left knee.