Could A New K-Mart Be Opening On Atlantic Avenue?
It’s been quite some time since the Nets have had an emotional leader whose impact would be felt on the court as well. Gerald Wallace was supposed to be that guy, but too many miles endured on his body led to the precipitous decline in his production. Paul Pierce was that player, but his stint in Brooklyn was too short to really leave his mark on the organization and fans.
For Nets fans, the fun comparison following the 2015 NBA Draft was linking the past to the present. There was once an RJ (Richard Jefferson) and now there’s an RHJ (Rondae Hollis-Jefferson), both of whom played collegiate ball at the University of Arizona and man the small forward position. Hollis-Jefferson will be wearing the same number as Jefferson in the upcoming season (24), so what Net fan wouldn’t feel nostalgic?
Last names, initials, numbers, positions, and alma maters aside, you could make the case that RHJ should conjure up memories of another former Net from the glory years in New Jersey…Kenyon Martin. Yes, K-Mart was a power forward and had a totally different personality than RHJ, but if you consider the attributes, skills, and intangibles he brought to the court then you should see the similarities.
His jump shot wasn’t the most reliable or pretty (Remember that 3–23 Game 6 in the 2003 Finals?), but any shortcomings on the offensive end were made up with his freakish athleticism, which allowed him to cut to the basket with ease and finish strong around (and above) the rim. Kenyon was also great at running the floor in transition.
Martin may have gotten his fanfare for his ferocious dunks, however, his real strength was his defensive prowess. He was the type of player who took pride in his defense and shutting down his opponent. To see him give a cocky smirk or loud roar following a key defensive play was his M.O. Long time Nets fans should remember how he gave All-Star Jermaine O’Neal fits during the 2002 playoff series against the Pacers.
Jason Kidd was clearly the most important player from those teams, however Martin’s impact was right up there as well. He brought an attitude and toughness to the floor that helped shape the Nets’ identity. Believe it or not, but the Nets were more of a defensive team during that era. Those signature fast breaks wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t from a forced turnover or defensive stop.
SeasonOff Rtg RankPPG RankDef-Rtg RankOPP PPG Rank2001–0217th13th1st5th2002–0314th18th1st2nd2003–0425th23rd4th4th
Martin was beloved not just because he was “homegrown” by being drafted by the organization, but how he connected with the fans. His emotions may have gotten the better of him (in the form of flagrant fouls) one too many times, but his energy, passion, and charisma not only electrified the fans but his teammates as well.
Here’s a reminder of the type of intensity and emotion Martin brought to the court:
The knock on RHJ is that his offensive game is raw and his outside jumpshot is in desperate need of improvement. If you focus on the strengths of his game , the Nets should be getting a disruptive defender with tremendous athleticism, length, and a high-octane motor. For a team that has been lethargic and uninspiring at times in recent years, a player like this should invigorate others on the court as well as the Barclays Center.
Some pundits have said that if all goes well, Hollis-Jefferson could be the next Andre Iguodala, who is also a former Arizona Wildcat. If that’s the case, then Brooklyn has found another important piece in building their roster with the right pieces.
If RHJ can develop into the player the organization and fans hope he can become, then the Nets may have finally filled the void that was created when K-Mart was shipped off to Denver over a decade ago. Just don’t expect to see any haymakers thrown.
