Kenyon Lee Martin Jr. Bio
Kenyon Lee “KJ” Martin Jr. (born January 6, 2001) is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters), Martin has established himself as a versatile forward capable of playing both small forward and power forward positions. The Los Angeles, California native was selected in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings and has since played for multiple NBA franchises including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Utah Jazz before beginning his international career in China.
Martin is the son of Kenyon Martin Sr., who was selected first overall in the 2000 NBA Draft and enjoyed a distinguished 15-year professional career in the NBA. Following in his father’s footsteps, the younger Martin has worked to carve out his own identity in professional basketball while showcasing the exceptional athleticism that runs in his family.
Early Life and Background
Kenyon Lee Martin Jr. was born in Los Angeles, California, on January 6, 2001, to Kenyon Martin and Heather Martin. Growing up in southern California, Martin was immersed in basketball from an early age, watching his father’s NBA career and developing a passion for the sport that would define his future. The influence of having a former NBA All-Star as a father provided Martin with unique insights into what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of professional basketball.
Martin’s athletic ability became evident during his formative years, as he inherited his father’s impressive physical tools including his 6-foot-6 frame, strong build, and explosive leaping ability. These natural gifts, combined with dedicated training, positioned him as a promising basketball prospect long before he reached high school.
Path to Professional Basketball
Martin attended Oaks Christian School as a freshman but did not play basketball that year. He was subsequently pulled from the school to be homeschooled before enrolling at Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills, California, where he began playing organized basketball as a sophomore. His performance quickly drew attention, leading to his transfer to Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, for his remaining high school years.
At Sierra Canyon, Martin played alongside notable teammates Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cassius Stanley, forming a talented core that dominated California high school basketball. During his senior season, Martin averaged 16.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, helping Sierra Canyon win back-to-back California Open Division championships. His three-star recruiting ranking reflected his status as a legitimate Division I prospect.
Initially committed to playing collegiately for Vanderbilt, Martin ultimately chose to attend IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for his postgraduate year to further develop his skills. At IMG Academy, Martin elevated his play, averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per game while showcasing an improved jump shot that expanded his offensive repertoire. He scored 37 points at the National Prep Showcase, demonstrating his ability to score at a high level against top competition. After this standout postgraduate season, Martin declared for the 2020 NBA Draft on March 24, 2020.
Kenyon Lee Martin Jr. Career
Houston Rockets (2020–2023)
On November 18, 2020, Martin was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2020 NBA Draft with the 52nd overall pick. Five days later, on November 25, he was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for cash considerations and a future second-round pick. Martin signed a four-year contract with the Rockets on November 30 and was assigned to their G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, for development.
Martin was activated for his first NBA action on January 4, 2021, against the Dallas Mavericks. Two days later, on January 8, he made his official on-court NBA debut against the Orlando Magic, scoring 7 points on perfect 3-for-3 shooting, including a three-pointer. On May 8, 2021, Martin scored a season-high 27 points against the Utah Jazz, providing an early glimpse of his scoring potential. He finished his rookie season having played in 79 of 82 games, starting two, while also earning selection to the NBA G League All-Rookie Team.
During his second season with Houston, Martin continued developing his offensive game. He recorded a season-high 20 points on March 2, 2022, against the Utah Jazz and recorded 11 rebounds in a game twice. Entering his third season, Martin made a trade request seeking more minutes but instead became a full-time starter when Eric Gordon was traded in February 2023. Martin played in all 82 of Houston’s games, starting 49 of them, and achieved career highs across the board including 12.7 points per game, a remarkable .572 field goal percentage, 5.5 rebounds per game, and 28 minutes per game.
On November 25, 2022, Martin recorded his first major double-double with 21 points and a career-high 15 rebounds in a 128–122 victory against the Atlanta Hawks. He continued his strong play into the following season, scoring a career-high 31 points on March 22, 2023, against the Memphis Grizzlies while shooting an efficient 12-for-18 from the field. Earlier that season, on February 18, 2023, Martin participated in the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest during NBA All-Star Weekend, showcasing his vertical leap and athleticism on a national stage.
Los Angeles Clippers (2023)
On July 8, 2023, the Rockets traded Martin to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for two future second-round picks. This move returned Martin to his southern California roots, though his tenure with the Clippers was short-lived. He appeared in only two games with Los Angeles before being involved in another major trade.
Philadelphia 76ers (2023–2025)
On November 1, 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired Martin as part of a significant multi-team trade involving James Harden. Philadelphia sent Harden, P.J. Tucker, and Filip Petrušev to the Clippers while receiving Martin, Marcus Morris Sr., Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington along with draft capital. Martin appeared in 19 games with the 76ers in his first season with the team, providing depth and energy off the bench.
On July 15, 2024, Martin re-signed with the Sixers on a two-year, $16 million contract, reflecting the organization’s belief in his potential as a key rotation player. The contract represented a significant milestone in Martin’s career, establishing him as a valued NBA player with long-term job security in the league.
Utah Jazz (2025)
On February 6, 2025, Martin was traded to the Detroit Pistons in a deal involving multiple teams. Several hours later, he was further traded to the Utah Jazz as part of a five-team transaction that also involved Jimmy Butler and the Golden State Warriors. Martin made 19 appearances with the Jazz, starting nine games, and averaged 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. On September 23, 2025, Martin was waived by the Jazz, bringing his NBA career to a close after five seasons.
Ningbo Rockets (2025–present)
Following his release from Utah, Martin signed with the Ningbo Rockets of the Chinese Basketball Association on November 15, 2025. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in his professional career, as Martin transitioned to international basketball. The CBA offers Martin an opportunity to continue developing his game while showcasing his abilities to a global audience.
Playing Style and Strengths
Martin is known for his exceptional athleticism, which he inherited from his father. His 6-foot-6 frame combined with his explosive leaping ability makes him a dynamic finisher around the rim and a threat in transition. Martin has shown particular effectiveness as a roll man in pick-and-roll situations and excels at finishing lobs and put-backs. His improved jump shot during his time at IMG Academy expanded his offensive capabilities, making him a more complete player. Defensively, Martin has the length and mobility to guard multiple positions, though he is still developing his consistency on that end of the floor.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Martin’s most memorable moments during his NBA career was his participation in the 2023 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Weekend, where he competed against some of the league’s most athletic players. His career-high 31-point performance against the Memphis Grizzlies in March 2023 demonstrated his ability to take over games offensively when given expanded minutes. His career-high 15 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks in November 2022 showed his potential as a two-way player capable of impacting games on both ends of the floor.
Kenyon Lee Martin Jr. Career Statistics
Martin played five seasons in the NBA from 2020 to 2025, establishing himself as a reliable rotation player with the ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. His most productive season came with the Houston Rockets during the 2022-2023 campaign, where he averaged 12.7 points per game on highly efficient shooting while also contributing 5.5 rebounds per game.
NBA Career Highlights
Throughout his NBA career, Martin demonstrated consistent improvement year over year. His rookie season saw him earn NBA G League All-Rookie Team honors while splitting time between the Rockets and their G League affiliate. His third season with Houston represented his breakthrough, as he became a full-time starter and posted career highs across nearly every statistical category. His career-high single-game performance came on March 22, 2023, when he scored 31 points against Memphis. His best rebounding performance came earlier that season against Atlanta with 15 boards.
Career Milestones
Martin’s professional career has been defined by several key milestones including his selection in the 2020 NBA Draft, his NBA debut in January 2021, his first career start, and his participation in the 2023 Slam Dunk Contest. His $16 million contract extension with Philadelphia in July 2024 represented both a financial milestone and validation of his development as an NBA player. The transition to the CBA with Ningbo Rockets marks his first experience playing outside the United States professionally.
Kenyon Lee Martin Jr. Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Martin comes from a distinguished basketball family. His father, Kenyon Martin Sr., was selected first overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 2000 NBA Draft and enjoyed a 15-year professional career that included an All-Star selection and a championship ring with the Detroit Pistons in 2004. The elder Martin played for six NBA teams and established himself as one of the premier power forwards of his era. This legacy has provided KJ Martin with invaluable guidance throughout his basketball journey.
Personal Life
Martin grew up in southern California, immersed in basketball culture from birth. While information about his personal relationships beyond his immediate family is limited, his social media presence shows a young professional focused on his career and personal development. He maintains active profiles on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) where he engages with fans and shares glimpses of his professional life.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year represented a period of transition for Martin in the NBA. Beginning the year with the Philadelphia 76ers, he was part of a Sixers team that had playoff aspirations. In February, he was involved in the multi-team trade that sent him first to Detroit and then to Utah. His time with the Jazz was brief, as he appeared in only 19 games before being waived in September 2025. This experience demonstrated the volatility of NBA careers and the business realities of professional basketball.
Following his release from Utah, Martin made the decision to continue his professional career abroad by signing with the Ningbo Rockets of the CBA in November 2025. This move offered Martin the opportunity to play significant minutes in a competitive league while potentially positioning himself for a return to the NBA in the future. The CBA has become an increasingly popular destination for former NBA players looking to extend their careers and showcase their skills on an international stage.