Will K-Mart rise to occasion?

NEW JERSEY — If the New Jersey Nets are to push the San Antonio Spurs to the limit in the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals, power forward Kenyon Martin must play like a wild animal on the loose.

It’s not only about Jason Kidd’s leadership. Kidd, of course, means so much to New Jersey — he sets the tone of the Nets’ offense and gets his teammates involved in the flow.

But more than Kidd’s leadership, what the Nets need now is to show more toughness as they try to even the best-of-7 series at two wins apiece at the Continental Airlines Arena here this morning (Manila time). That means they’ve got to play physical, aggressive, and fearless ball. That means K-Mart’s got to flex his muscles and assert his presence if the Nets hope to take Game 4.

Martin, 25, was the NBA’s first overall pick in the 2000 draft despite sitting out the NCAA Tournament as a senior because of a broken leg and torn ankle ligaments. He played four years at the University of Cincinnati where two teammates, Ryan Fletcher and Pete Mickeal, went on to see action as imports in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Martin brings intimidation to the table. He’s gained a notorious reputation as a ferocious defender and a mad dunker–he’ll hurt you if you get in his way. Nobody likes to mess with K-Mart as he sows fear in the heart of every NBA defender who dares to challenge his shot.

Last season, Martin picked up six flagrant fouls which led to suspensions in seven games and fines of $347,057. The flagrant fouls were on Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Jim Jackson, Jerome Williams, Karl Malone (who was clotheslined), Tracy McGrady (struck by a blow to the head), and Eddy Curry. Not surprisingly, hecklers began to describe K-Mart as dirty, out of control, and a loose cannon.

But according to Sports Illustrated, K-Mart was hailed instead of hated for his antics by those who understand his playing philosophy. "After all, especially during the half-court, bump-and-grind ritual of the playoffs, every team needs an enforcer to ensure that there are no free rides, much less free layups," reported the magazine. "And when Martin doesn’t play full-tilt, neither do the Nets."

This past regular season, Martin was a good boy. No flagrants, no fines, no suspensions. He averaged 16.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 34.1 minutes in 77 games.

I asked Martin if he is more controlled or less emotional.

"More controlled," he replied. "I grew (up) a lot, just stayed away from the stupid things I was doing, stayed on the court, helped my game, helped my team. So we got back to this point. All that stuff is behind me so I’m not worried about it."

Martin’s reputation as a tough guy is enhanced by the tattoos all over his body. On his chest are the words "Bad Ass Yellow Boy," a reference to a nasty attitude and his light skin. In Dallas where he grew up, light-skinned blacks are called "yellow boys."

His left forearm reads: "Only God knows what the future holds. I will take the path He has chosen for me." On his right biceps is the face of his son, two-year-old Kenyon, Jr. with "Flesh Of My Flesh" over it and "Blood Of My Blood" under. His fiancée Heather Thompson gave birth to their second child Cierra Reign last month so expect another tattoo soon. Below the shoulder and above his right biceps is his mother’s name Lydia (Moore). In his left calf are Chinese characters, which mean "never satisfied." On his left biceps is the grim reaper holding a basketball with a huge cloud hovering.

Martin was raised by his mother and older sister Tamara Ridley. He stuttered as a boy and began speech therapy when he was nine. School bullies used to prey on Martin whose protector was Tamara, four years older. He was seven when he last saw his father, former New Mexico cager Paul Roby.

As a kid, it didn’t look like Martin would someday become an intimidator on the court. He played the violin in middle school and because of his stutter, was timid.

Martin could’ve turned pro before graduating at Cincinnati but insisted on earning a major in criminal justice and minor in psychology.

Martin, who wears No. 6 in honor of his idol Bill Russell, is eligible for a contract extension starting Aug. 1 and the Nets could offer a maximum of $85 Million for six years. If the contract isn’t extended, Martin becomes a restricted free agent after next season, meaning New Jersey has the right to match other offers. Martin’s agent Brian Dyke said he’d like K-Mart to stay in New Jersey if Kidd does, too.

Liz Robbins of the New York Times asked Nets coach Byron Scott if his team would’ve entered the Finals without K-Mart’s improved play.

"No way," said Scott. "If Ken wasn’t playing the way he’s been playing, we wouldn’t be here."

And if Martin doesn’t play like he should in Game 4, the Spurs will likely open up a 3-1 series lead.