As the Rockets dealt with a historic wave of injuries during the 2020-21 season, one bright spot was then-rookie forward KJ Martin. With injuries taking out established veterans like Danuel House Jr., David Nwaba, Christian Wood, and Eric Gordon, Martin gradually stepped into a larger role and averaged 16.8 points (51.7% FG, 39.3% on 3-pointers) and 7.3 rebounds in 34.8 minutes during Houston’s final 12 games.
For the 2021-22 season, all of those veterans returned healthy — and Martin wasn’t initially a part of the rotation for head coach Stephen Silas. But with House spraining his right foot on Tuesday, that opened up some minutes for Martin, who had 4 points (50% FG) and 5 rebounds in 16 minutes during Thursday’s loss to Utah. While the playing time wasn’t extensive, Silas praised Martin for staying ready for an opportunity.
“He was ready to play and he has continued to work,” Silas said of Martin, who played double-digit minutes for the first time this season. “He knows better than anybody if you continue to work, your chance will come, and you have to be prepared. He saw what happened last year.”
Earlier this week, Martin cryptically referenced his situation on Twitter with a one-word tweet of “patience,” followed by a clock emoji. The athletic 6-foot-6 forward, who was drafted at No. 52 overall in the 2020 second round, is the son of former NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin.
patience.🕰
— | KJ | (@kj__martin) October 25, 2021
There could potentially be even more minutes for Martin in the coming days, since starting guard Kevin Porter Jr. sprained his left ankle during Thursday’s loss. While Martin obviously isn’t a direct position replacement for Porter, it could push Gordon into playing more minutes at guard — which may open up more minutes on the wing for someone like Martin.
“He was good for us last year,” Silas said of his second-year forward. “Down the stretch of the season, he shot well from 3 and made plays on the defensive end, so it was very hard to sit him (from the initial rotation). I am happy that he has stayed committed to the work and understanding that when his chance comes, he’ll have to do the same thing.”
The Rockets haven’t given a return timetable for House or Porter, but foot and ankle sprains have a tendency to linger. As a result, expect Houston (1-4) to be cautious this early in the regular season.
With Martin potentially in the rotation mix, the Rockets will return to action on Sunday night in Los Angeles to face the Lakers (2-3). Tipoff from Staples Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Central.
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