
via Imago
Feb 24, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets KJ Martin Jr. (6) is fouled by Golden State Warriors Jordan Poole (3) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

via Imago
Feb 24, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Rockets KJ Martin Jr. (6) is fouled by Golden State Warriors Jordan Poole (3) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
As a kid, Kenyon Martin Jr. would have often heard stories about his father’s legendary NBA career. But now as he grows as a player, we see him carving out his own path. However, while his career continues to rise, the story of his personal life, especially off the court, he had kept it a mystery.
And today, we will look into what his life is like and what his legendary father has to say about it.
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Is Kenyon Martin Jr. dating? Why is it likely that the Philadelphia 76ers’ star won’t date anyone?
To be said in one straight line, Kenyon Martin Jr.’s relationship status remains unclear. However, his father, former Bucks forward, Kenyon Martin Sr., once shared some revealing insights about relationships in the NBA. During a conversation on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, Martin Sr., Arenas, and Brandon Jennings discussed the challenges of maintaining relationships while navigating the pressures of professional basketball.
He said he once warned his son about the inevitable struggles he would face with women. He bluntly told his son not to be surprised if he found his girlfriend with one of his teammates. This harsh reality hit Jr. personally when he experienced it firsthand during a team retreat to the Bahamas. Martin said his son called him immediately after he caught his ex-girlfriend with a teammate. “Man, you ain’t lie!” KJ allegedly told his father.
The conversation also touched on how veteran players play a key role in guiding young players like KJ. Martin Sr. shared how he acted as a mentor, teaching KJ about the importance of respect and discipline. He also emphasized that young players often look up to veterans, either learning good or bad behaviors. According to Martin, if they’re lucky enough to have strong mentors, they’ll avoid the pitfalls of groupies and distractions.
The other two players also chimed in, saying that young players often don’t listen until they experience it themselves. Arenas, reflecting on his own rookie experience, noted that it was advice from experienced players like Shawn Kemp—who detailed the costs of child support—that helped him avoid the temptations. “A list like that…the fear of that happening to you gon’ go a lot longer than any of this other s**t,” Martin Sr. said.

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Can Kenyon Martin Jr. avoid the pitfalls of NBA relationships, or is history bound to repeat?
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Yet, the conversation took a comedic turn, as fans found humor in the candid nature of the discussion. One fan even commented, “Lmfaooo see this what I want to hear from old heads in the league.” But others were less forgiving, calling out the hypocrisy of these players, considering their own messy relationships. Martin Sr. had his own history, having been married to KJ’s mother, Heather Martin, before divorcing in 2007. He later had a high-profile relationship with rapper Trina, which ended in 2010. However, do you know the other two hoopers also had histories of cheating scandals?
Check this, Jennings was once accused of cheating on Teyana Taylor with her friend Tae Heckard. Arenas was allegedly cheated on by his fiancée, Laura Govan, who was rumored to be involved with Shaquille O’Neal. Arenas, reflecting on these issues, noted, “70 percent of y’all, y’all girlfriend is gonna sleep with another NBA player, while y’all dating.”
In the end, the former players’ stories reflect the complexities of maintaining relationships in the NBA, where temptation and betrayal are all too common. For KJ Martin Jr., the lesson seems clear: navigating the pressures of the NBA, both on and off the court, is no easy feat. With this, we come to an end on his romantic story, and we explore how he made it to the NBA.
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How did KJ Martin Jr. make it to the NBA?
One must wonder being an NBA legend son, it’s easy to make it into the league. But being Kenyon Martin Sr.’s son KJ Martin Jr. had a unique journey to the NBA. Unlike many, his path was filled with twists. He began at Oaks Christian High School but didn’t play basketball his freshman year. Early in his high school career, Martin was pulled out of Oaks Christian and homeschooled. His basketball journey truly began when he transferred to Chaminade College Preparatory for his sophomore year, where he made his mark.
A three-star recruit, his real breakout came at Sierra Canyon School. He played alongside other rising stars like Scotty Pippen Jr. and Cassius Stanley. Do you know he had a pretty big hand in winning a championship? When his team won back-to-back California Open Division championships, the hooper showed his talent, averaging 16.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. This performance put him on the map as a rising star.
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However, after this, he was initially committed to Vanderbilt but ultimately opted for a postgraduate year at IMG Academy. At IMG, he truly elevated his game, averaging 20 points and eight rebounds per contest. His athleticism and improved jump shot drew attention, especially after he scored 37 points at the National Prep Showcase. The following year, 2020 was his dream come true year.
Martin was declared for the NBA Draft! The hooper began professional journey began on November 18, 2020, when the Sacramento Kings selected him 52nd overall in the second round. But just a week later, he was traded to the Houston Rockets. And he signed a four-year deal with the Rockets and was assigned to their G League team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. His NBA debut came on January 8, 2021, when he scored seven points in limited minutes. And what happened next is something we know. And on November 1, 2023, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired him in a signed 2-year deal worth $16,000,000. As we end our story here, we leave you with one question: Will KJ Martin rise to even greater heights with his new team?
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Can Kenyon Martin Jr. avoid the pitfalls of NBA relationships, or is history bound to repeat?