The Hawks met Thursday with a representative for center Kenyon Martin, according to a person with knowledge of the team’s thinking.
Martin, 34, averaged 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 48 games for the Nuggets last season. The 11-year veteran signed a one-year deal to play in China with Xinjiang during the NBA lockout last summer. He is eligible to return to the NBA following the Chinese season in several weeks.
Martin has reportedly been offered a contract by the Heat. ESPN recently reported that he is also interested in signing with the Clippers, Spurs and Knicks, along with the Hawks and Heat.
Martin could make a decision by the end of the week. According to reports FIBA has cleared Martin, allowing him to sign with an NBA team.
The Hawks have used a combination of Zaza Pachulia, Jason Collins and Ivan Johnson at center since the loss of Al Horford last month to a torn pectoral muscle. While the Hawks are 9-2 in the 11 games without Horford, teams with dominant big men can present problems. Martin (6-foot-9, 240) could help in that regard.
The Hawks could probably only offer Martin the veteran minimum in salary. They do offer a team that has made the playoffs the past four seasons, including three straight trips to the Eastern Conference semifinals. They are currently tied for third in the conference behind the Bulls and Sixers.
201 comments Add your comment
O'Brien
February 2nd, 2012
4:56 pm
Would Kenyon Martin help the Hawks? Definitely. And I would be thrilled to get K-Mart. However, he would help us as a backup PF (behind Josh), allowing us to play Vlad at backup SF.
But the fact is the Hawks biggest weakness is not backup PF. It is backup Center. We need a center. So if K-Mart means no backup center, then I would pass.
And for those mentioning Pryz, it is being reported he will choose between the Heat and the Bulls. So say what you want about media heads, but even players (who have a choice) are picking the Heat and Bulls (although knowing Rick, he probably didnt even call Pryz).
DS
February 2nd, 2012
5:03 pm
Missing some SLB
Admiral Ackbar
February 2nd, 2012
5:05 pm
http://wagesofwins.com/2012/01/30/the-hawks-are-still-soaring-thanks-to-some-amazing-wings/
Rufus1
February 2nd, 2012
5:07 pm
I will take Benson or the best BIG in the D-league.
Slimjr
February 2nd, 2012
5:07 pm
“But the fact is the Hawks biggest weakness is not backup PF. It is backup Center. We need a center. So if K-Mart means no backup center, then I would pass.”
O’Brien…..Bingo Fuel! Bingo Fuel! Bingo Fuel…RTB(Return to Base)
He’s using the Hawks as leverage..He aint coming here…..So no worry…..
Najeh Davenpoop
February 2nd, 2012
5:08 pm
Can’t decide whether I should click that link or not… who knows, it could be a trap.
doc
February 2nd, 2012
5:13 pm
be close to the pretzel area on marta side that serves heineken and bud lite, i guess, if that suits you at half time. if you want newcastle we have to move a little. ill be there with my son. i’m 6′3 or so, white stach and goatee, son bearded a little shorter.
Slimjr
February 2nd, 2012
5:13 pm
I already blew up my desktop last week…Sucks…Goodluck! LOL….
Thank goodness I got back up machines….
Wyatt Earp
February 2nd, 2012
5:14 pm
Gee, just what the hawks need, another low budget powerforward masquerading as a center averaging 9-12 pts an 7-9 rebounds. Another Al horford. Fck Hawks management just isnt serious about winning. I guess, Im Just shaking my head. What A waste…..
Slimjr
February 2nd, 2012
5:16 pm
Hey doc thinking about buying those height extenders and walk into work at about 6′7″…LOL!
tckr83
February 2nd, 2012
5:16 pm
What else do you want them to do? Trade starters? Who are you going to trade and for what center? *A realistic trade that both teams would actually do*
There aren’t any unless you want to blow up a team that could realistically win the East this year… get the best available.
Grandad
February 2nd, 2012
5:17 pm
doc
I had to live amongst those orange clad southern wannabes
for 17 years.
You do realize those folks from north of our border;
don’t even serve grits for breakfast.
With apologies to northcyde, who also lives in River City.
I spent most of yesterday in “puppy heaven” ;;;
and yes I am back.
Not that you were talkin’ about me.
Later tonight I will wax nostalgic as did you last eve:
Rich Yunkus was my 1st college basketball exemplar.
Alas, I was neither left handed, nor did I grow to 6-9,
and thankfully was never a Techie.
[instead I became a a Peayon]
- pun intended -
Wyatt Earp
February 2nd, 2012
5:21 pm
“But the fact is the Hawks biggest weakness is not backup PF. It is backup Center. We need a center.”
The hawks biggest problem is not a back up center. Zaza does that just fine. Our biggest problem is a STARTING CENTER. 12pts 9 rebounds 1blk and 1blk against is not going to get you out of the second round. We got tons of power forwards. We got tons of guys who can give you 10 -15 minutes at the center post. but we have 0 (zero) guys who will man the low post, defend the rim and enforce lane control full time. As ive been saying the last 3 years HAWKS NEED A CENTER NOT NAME AL HORFORD if you expect to get out of the second round.
Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and over and over, expecting a fcking different result.
You know the drill.
Slimjr
February 2nd, 2012
5:23 pm
All NBA playoff avg= 9.7pts and 7.4 rb, not enough from an ALLSTAR…..
tckr83
February 2nd, 2012
5:23 pm
How many centers are better than al horford?
Not many… I really can’t count that as a “problem”. Everybody wants a dwight howard on their team when he’s not whining, but there is only one of him to go around.
Troll Patrol
February 2nd, 2012
5:24 pm
Troll alert
Admiral Ackbar = grandad
tckr83 =grandad
DS = grandad
FreshmakerGT
February 2nd, 2012
5:27 pm
And Wyatt Earp = idiot
ya boy JC
February 2nd, 2012
5:30 pm
Quite frankly, I don’t think we really need to change this roster. Errrrbody say we need a bigger center, but what series has it cost us?!?! we got past the dominant big man D12!! people complain bout AL stats for blocks but u dont always have to get a block just alternate the shot!! ALSO, if u really look at the past playoffs our MAIN problem is having an stagnant offense and the team checking which is pretty much the cause of the losses this year….. #imjustsaying if our team play consistent at a high lvl in the playoffs the sky is the LIMIT!!!
CrαZy
February 2nd, 2012
5:31 pm
Who gets cut if this happens??
ya boy JC
February 2nd, 2012
5:31 pm
*team checking out early
Chris Vivlamore
February 2nd, 2012
5:32 pm
Thanks for catching the standings error! I have corrected.
ntrigue
February 2nd, 2012
5:34 pm
Yall are just looking at his height he has a center wingspan and is tough and would be the most athletic big man we have behind Josh. He also adds another shot blocker to the team what we definitly need now! He is the perfect fit forget everybody else he is the missing link!
Rufus1
February 2nd, 2012
5:34 pm
Al is better than any player you can bring in(Except D12)…
That is why Fans and players(D12) shouldn’t make roster decisions….emotions cloud sound decision making. D12, wanted the Magic to bring in certain players and IT FAILED BADLY….Some of you bloggers would prefer a BROKEN A$$ Chris Kamen(because he is 6′11) to AL….THAT IS COMEDY.
Wyatt Earp
February 2nd, 2012
5:37 pm
“How many centers are better than al horford?” Offensively or Defensively. If the quest is defensively then most of them are… but Heres a quick glance and you do the math.
Bynum
Brook Lopez
2011 Stats: 19.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 1.5 bpg in 34.1 minutes per night
Andrea Bargnani
2011 Stats: 21.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 0.9 bpg in 35 minutes per night.
Bogut’s 2011 Stats:
13.3 ppg, 11.7 rpg and 2.8 bpg in 35.8 minutes per night.
Dwight Howard , ORL
22 37.6 82 3.7 257 11.7 339 15.4 19.7 2
Kevin Love , MIN
22 39.4 91 4.1 209 9.5 300 13.6 16.6 3
Andrew Bynum , LAL
18 34.3 57 3.2 161 8.9 218 12.1 17.0
6
DeMarcus Cousins , SAC
20 29.1 87 4.4 134 6.7 221 11.1 18.2 7
Subtlety
February 2nd, 2012
5:37 pm
“Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and over and over, expecting a fcking different result.”
And yet, you will post the same thing over and over? Something to think about. Have you yet gotten a different result in three years of whining about Horford? Over and over, and…etc.
Face it, Horford is not nearly good enough to trade for the kind of center you’d like to have. He’s just not. It ain’t happenin’. bro’. Unless you want to trade Al AND Josh. But you’d never do that, so why keep b!tchin? I guess some folks just like to b!tch. If you were a true Hawks fan, you’d just be happy that they are playing well, and STFU about something not only well beyond your control, but something that obviously upsets you greatly. Lil’ advice, pal, the Al hate ain’t worth the energy you are giving it. Unless….. see your earlier quote.
Troll Alert
February 2nd, 2012
5:38 pm
Troll alert
Admiral Ackbar = grandad
tckr83 =grandad
DS = grandad
ya boy JC
CrαZy
Chris Vivlamore
KevinM
February 2nd, 2012
5:38 pm
Hawks still using their standard ways of negotiating. Offer the min contract and state plenty of playing time.
If you were Martin, where would you go? MIA? LAC? ATL?
I would think the leader would be MIA simply for their potential at a Finals alone….Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem are in your way of as much PT as you can handle?
Same money as ATL? MIA for me fellas. And Sund allows another one to get away to a rival.
I still say Kaman is the best fit and rid us of some long term contracts. Worry about next year’s signees this summer.
Its time to get rid of the limitations: waive Stack and Pargo and get us a BIG man!
BK lives on with this franchise! Are we still getting consulation from him?
KevinM
February 2nd, 2012
5:39 pm
consultation that is…..
Eric
February 2nd, 2012
5:39 pm
Damn, where all these new guys come from? And all on the same day on the same page. Damn, Its it troll season or what?
Eric
February 2nd, 2012
5:40 pm
Troll alert
Admiral Ackbar = grandad
tckr83 =grandad
DS = grandad
ya boy JC
CrαZy
Chris Vivlamore
Subtlety = Grandad
KBB
February 2nd, 2012
5:40 pm
I would love to have Pryz, that being said, Im not against Kenyon signing if we cant get him. One thing is for sure, a frontline of Martin, Ivan Johnson and ZaZa aint taking crap off of anyone. We would finally have some formidable goons for once.
Eric
February 2nd, 2012
5:41 pm
What you trolls can go haunt a house or something?
Subtlety
February 2nd, 2012
5:46 pm
All this whining and complaining about Al’s lack of defense and his limited play wont help us get out of the first round and more than A good power forward like Al who is doing the best he can. Hes my favorite player so I take it personally when you complain about Al. Stop it now or I will sic my trolls on you.
Save the fcking Whales
Save Al Horford!
Azhole
Subtlety
February 2nd, 2012
5:47 pm
Enter your comments here
Slimjr
February 2nd, 2012
5:49 pm
TROLL ALERT= ATLANTA BLOGGERS…Me included! LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
February 2nd, 2012
5:50 pm
Dont call me late for Dinner!
Eric
February 2nd, 2012
5:50 pm
Its so many damn troll on this site, Its probably only 2 or 3 legitimate posters and 2 or 3 guys toggling 3 or 4 names on the same damn page.
One guy wants A better center than Al and the other guy doesnt want to see his favorite player go. So they both toggle back and forth under different names.
I say trade the sorry m f and lets up grade. The dude aint cutting what it takes to get to the next level
ya boy JC
February 2nd, 2012
5:54 pm
Thats true Eric.. The dude aint cutting it, doesnt like his job and wants to play another position. His attitude is as such that hes not willing to put his heart into the position and thats what it takes to be a champion. His take it easy attitude doesnt sit well with his team mates and thats the main reason they play better with out him.
CrαZy
February 2nd, 2012
5:54 pm
Who would the Hawks cut Jerry Stackhouse if they got Kenyon?
ya boy JC
February 2nd, 2012
5:57 pm
The hawks biggest problem is not a back up center. Zaza does that just fine. Our biggest problem is a STARTING CENTER. 12pts 9 rebounds 1blk and 1blk against is not going to get you out of the second round. We got tons of power forwards. We got tons of guys who can give you 10 -15 minutes at the center post. but we have 0 (zero) guys who will man the low post, defend the rim and enforce lane control full time. As ive been saying the last 3 years HAWKS NEED A CENTER NOT NAME AL HORFORD if you expect to get out of the second round.
Insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and over and over, expecting a fcking different result.
Co-sign
Subtlety
February 2nd, 2012
6:04 pm
“I say trade the sorry m f and lets up grade. The dude aint cutting what it takes to get to the next level”
Your forgetting that he’s not worth shnizel. Who do you think you could trade him for?
No one wants an injured, bad attitude, locker room bustin’, chemistry destroyer. What GM in his right mind would trade for Horford right now? You are fighting a losing battle, and tilting at windmills again (and again, and…) Makes no sense unless you are as insane as the quote you keep regurgitating.
yodaddybrother
February 2nd, 2012
6:12 pm
I just flat out don’t understand the fascination with Chris Kaman….the guy is a flat out bum.
The Hornets (worst team in the NBA) chose to tell him to stay at home rather than give him minutes. He makes 14 million.
Yall want to blow up the team for a guy that can’t even earn minutes playing for the Hornets??? Just because he’s a “center”??? A soft one at that.
K-Mart is heads, shoulders and shoes above Chris Kaman in every single facet of the game. K-Mart was #1 overall…that would be an absolute steal to bring him in at the vet minimum and add to that he would play significant minutes which is what he would be looking for. K-Mart on this team is the equivalent of T-Mac on this team except at the power forward position.
Josh and K-Mart protecting the rim would be absolutely deadly not to mention he can knock down shots and rebound. Simply put, he fits into the scheme seamlessly.
Subtlety
February 2nd, 2012
6:13 pm
So please stop criticism my Horffy so I can stop defending him. This gets old after awhile.
Subtlety
February 2nd, 2012
6:13 pm
Once again, troll boy, have you gotten a single different result in 3 yrs. of b!tchin about Horford?
Once?
Not even one?
Hmmmm… makes one wonder. What was that quote again?
CrαZy
February 2nd, 2012
6:15 pm
yodaddybrother I know that trick Bitch. You trying to get the pressure of Al by selling these other bum like Kmart. When dont need another power forward we need a center bitch.
Subtlety
February 2nd, 2012
6:17 pm
CraZy please done help the guys trying to get Al traded. Hes my favorite player and I call him Horffy. Please dont get my Horffy traded.
Save the Whales.
Save AL Horford
Subtlety
February 2nd, 2012
6:19 pm
Defend Horford? Not from this corner. Dude is a decent player, but not worth all the hoo-ha. Better than Zaza but not nearly All-Nba. And you cannot get schnizel for him in a trade. Take that to the bank.
Sorry to interrupt your D12 fantasy. Dwight ain’t comin’ here, and if he did, it would take Josh being part of the package. And even that would be strictly a rental. So, troll, do you think D12, Teague and Joe could win a title? If not, bye-bye D12. Sorry to rain on your fantasy.
Troll Alert
February 2nd, 2012
6:21 pm
And the beat goes on…. ladi dadi dee ladi dadi da.
KBB
Troll alert
Admiral Ackbar = grandad
tckr83 =grandad
DS = grandad
ya boy JC
CrαZy
Chris Vivlamore
Subtlety = Grandad
Subtlety
February 2nd, 2012
6:24 pm
Grandad has the greatest respect for Big Al, and would never criticize him the way I do. Grandad is a good ‘ol boy, who knows the game, but he’s not subtle. Guess again.
Subtlety
February 2nd, 2012
6:25 pm
6:19 pm is not my post, I know there are many centers better than Al and Im not going to say only D12 can help us. He would be nice, no doubt but like the earlier list and others. We DO need to upgrade the center position.
And Yes, im am a Hoffy fan.