Veteran NBA journeyman Kevin Martin announced his retirement from the NBA today in a unique way. He released an ad in his local news paper, the Zanesville Times Recorder, with a heartfelt letter. In that letter, he thanked the countless people who influenced his life and helped him along his path to an NBA career.
You can read a portion of his letter below.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. There's not a more perfect day for me to express those feelings. There are so many ways to announce your after professional career plans. My family and close friends have known since June of the direction I wanted my life to go. Those were the toughest conversations that I have ever had but with the ultimate support I knew I was making the right decision. I was raised by two unbelievable parents, Marilyn and Kevin, that I owe the world to by preparing me to be a humble young man that could handle the responsibilities that came with being in the spotlight. An amazing little brother, Jonathan, that has taught me how to face any adversity head on and prevail. My grandparents, Maxine and Dallas, gave their first grandchild all the love and resources to focus on my ultimate unrealistic goal at the time throughout my childhood. Grandparents, Teena, Stanley, and John, I am thankful for the faith through prayers and love! And to all my family… Thank you all for instilling the most important attributes into my soul that I would have to rely on, on a daily basis. I love y'all so much! Last but most definitely not least… Now we all know I wouldn't be writing this letter if I didn't have the strongest of support systems that helped me through the toughest daily rigors that one could face for all those years. My wife, Jill Arnold, has been my greatest blessing and I couldn't be more thankful to have a soulmate that changed her life to be there with such loyalty and dignity! Thank you, Tim and Joy Arnold, for raising such a beautiful woman. Jill has blessed our family with a new baby girl, Anna Capri, that has completed me.
The 26th pick out of Western Carolina in the 2004 draft had a very respectable 12-year career in the league. Martin was taken by the Sacramento Kings and remained there for six seasons. Known around the league as a prolific scorer, he averaged a career high 24.6 points per game in the 2008-2009 season.
However, he was traded the next season to the Houston Rockets and played there for two seasons. Not long after that, he was moved to Oklahoma City in the James Harden trade. His time there too would be short lived as he would once again be traded, this time to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Martin would spend three seasons in Minnesota, until they decided to commit to the rebuilding process and waived his contract. His final stop would be in San Antonio as he attempted to chase a ring before ending his career. Unfortunately, that would never happen as the Spurs were knocked out by the Thunder last postseason.
Kevin Martin retired with career averages of 17.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.
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