Kenyon Martin, an NBA veteran picked 1st overall in the 2000 Draft, has officially announced that he is retiring from the league after a successful career that spanned 15 years and saw Martin play for five different teams.

From '00 to '15, Martin played in 757 games and racked up great career totals of 9,325 points, 5,159 rebounds, and 864 blocked shots. He made an All-Star appearance in 2004, while he was playing for the New Jersey Nets. The two seasons prior, Martin and the vintage Nets made the NBA Finals, where they lost series to the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.

Known best for his days with New Jersey, the athletic 6'9" power forward can be seen in highlight films catching and finishing lobs from legendary point guard Jason Kidd. Martin also played for the Denver Nuggets (2004-2011), Los Angeles Clippers (2012), New York Knicks (2013-2014), and Milwaukee Bucks (2015).

Coming out of a stellar four-year college career at University of Cincinnati in which he was named the consensus National Player of the Year in 2000, Martin fulfilled his potential in the league as a dependable role-playing 4 who now is focused on family and could see himself pursuing a college or NBA coaching career.

"It's been a great 15 years," Martin said. "Thanks to all the fans that supported me over the years. But a time does come when you have to walk away, and the time is now for me. I'm ready for the next chapter of my life. I would like to thank the Nets, Nuggets, Clippers, Knicks and Bucks for the opportunity to play the game that I love."

Martin played briefly in China during the 2012 lockout, and his career ended in February 2015 when the Bucks decided not to re-sign him after two 10-day contract stints in Milwaukee.

Kenyon's son, Kenyon Jr., is already at the height of 6'3.5" and is just 14 years old. Developing his son's basketball future seems like a priority for Kenyon Sr.

"I have family time and business ahead," Martin said. "And if something coaching comes up, I will consider it. I'm also getting Kenyon, Jr., ready to be the No. 1 pick in a couple of years."

As a likeable player, Martin's retirement has already been met with many congratulations. He played his heart out for 15 seasons in the NBA, and now gets to profit from his hard work on the court.

"From the bottom of my heart I wanna thank you all for appreciating the way I played the game!! Didn't know any other way but go all out," tweeted Martin.

At the age of 37, Kenyon has lots of time to enjoy his family, aid his son in pursuing a basketball career, and also maybe find work in another occupational field. Because he was not a one-and-done college player like most top picks nowadays, Martin Sr. was able to graduate with a Bachelor's in criminal justice. Maybe he'll protect victims just like the rims he protected with full force during his time in the association.

"Thanks for the love. On to the next."

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