Nuggets coach George Karl has had enough of Kenyon Martin`s antics. (AP)
Will K-Mart`s absence hurt Nuggets backers?
By Brian Covert
Wed, Apr 26, 2006
Sometimes it takes more than just saying you?re sorry.
Despite apologizing to fans and teammates, Denver Nuggets power forward Kenyon Martin was suspended indefinitely by head coach George Karl for conduct detrimental to the team, although no one is certain what that conduct was. The suspension includes tonight?s Game 3 against the Los Angeles Clippers as 5-point favorites.
?This is an internal matter that we will deal with in-house,? Karl said in a statement released to the media.
The suspension comes as the Nuggets return to Denver down 2-0 to the Clips in their Western Conference quarterfinal series. This deficit includes a 98-87 loss as 3 ?-point underdogs in which the Nuggets were physically dominated, allowing the Clippers to get any shot they wanted. Given that, it seems like a strange time to suspend one of the league?s most intimidating players who has career averages of 14.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.26 blocks.
Even more odd is the fact the Denver coach was lauding the fiery forward for the defensive job he did on Los Angeles? Elton Brand in the second-half of their 89-87 loss as a 4 ?-point underdog in the series opener.
?I think he has a big-time heart,? Karl told reporters. ?I think he is a big-time competitor and he did a heck of a job in the second half against Brand for Game 1.?
But there may be some logic to Karl?s madness. The Nuggets are 14-8 both straight up and ATS in 22 games Martin has missed this season. And when Martin has played he has been a shadow of his former self. The former No. 1 pick is still hampered by a lingering discomfort in his knee, averaging 12.9 points and 6.3 rebounds.
Furthermore, it seems Martin was starting to cause problems in the dressing room. Several unnamed players said they had lost confidence in Martin, questioning his desire to play. Martin didn?t endear himself to teammates either by not getting to Denver`s bench until several minutes elapsed in the third quarter, and then sitting with a towel over his head for the remainder of the game.
Forwards Reggie Evans and Eduardo Najera will share the power forward duties in his place.
Oddsmakers have set the total at 191 ? points.