Nets exercise option on Martin

[#1MavsFan]

Nets exercise option on Martin
Associated Press

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New Jersey Nets decided Wednesday to keep Kenyon Martin around for at least two more seasons.

Martin, a 6-foot-9 forward, was the Nets' leading scorer and played a key role in leading the Eastern Conference champions to their best NBA season ever.

New Jersey had until Oct. 31 to exercise its option on Martin's contract but didn't need the time.

"He is a vital component of our team," Nets president and general manager Rod Thorn said.

Martin, 24, is among the NBA's best forwards. He averaged 14.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 73 games last season. He shot 46 percent from the field and 68 percent from the line.

The No. 1 pick in the 2000 draft, Martin averaged 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 20 playoff games as the Nets advanced to the NBA Finals, where they were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers. Martin scored a career-high 35 points in Game 4.

Martin was whistled for six flagrant fouls last season. He was suspended for seven games and fined $347,057.

Since the playoffs, Thorn signed Rodney Rogers and Chris Childs, and acquired Dikembe Mutombo in a deal with Philadelphia for Keith Van Horn and Todd MacCulloch.