After three seasons with the Rockets, young forward KJ Martin is on his way to the Los Angeles Clippers. Though the 22-year-old played well for Houston and started at small forward to end the 2022-23 season, he was caught up in something of a roster logjam with Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, Dillon Brooks, and Jae’Sean Tate all potentially in the mix for forward minutes next season.
The uncertainty of the situation involving Martin’s contract, which expires after next season (2023-24), may also have played a role.
Whatever the case, there was certainly no disappointment in Martin’s production as a player. Drafted late in the 2020 second round (No. 52 overall), the athletic 6-foot-6 forward overachieved all expectations with averages of 10.5 points (54.5% FG, 34.0% on 3-pointers) and 5.5 rebounds in 28.0 minutes per game.
Now, Martin leaves a rebuilding situation in Houston for a role with a Los Angeles squad that has immediate playoff aspirations with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George leading the way.
Here’s how Martin said farewell to the Rockets and Houston, with special notes of appreciation for owner Tilman Fertitta, general manager Rafael Stone, and former head coach Stephen Silas.
