One Last Stand in ‘08
December 30, 2008 by Andrew Nicholson
Before he returns to the ARCO Arena hardwood for the first time in weeks, Kevin Martin has a message for Kings fans: “I just want to wish a Happy Holidays to Kings fans and a very, very, very healthy 2009!”
Fortunately, Martin’s health has improved and he will play in just his 10th game of the season tonight, after missing extended time due to a left ankle injury. Coach Kenny Natt said Martin will be going “full boar,” while Martin said he won’t limit his minutes in his return.
Asked how he’s feeling, Martin replied, “I’m fine.”
“It’s been tough, very tough,” Martin continued on the difficulty of missing time. “It doesn’t matter if you’re winning or losing. Anytime you have an injury, you’re not really with the team 100 percent.”
So, a game after the team shot less than 28 percent from the field, it will gladly welcome its leading scorer back to the mix. Whether he’s staring or not is a game time decision, Natt said.
Martin’s return is the best news the team could receive to end 2008. And with 2009 just hours away, we asked Natt, Martin, Bobby Jackson and Donté Greene what their resolutions for the New Year entail.
“It already happened. We got an early gift. We got Kevin back which is great. It’s a big plus for us. Obviously, we want everyone to play with more energy and we want to get our team back so that we can have everyone on the floor. That’s my New Year’s resolution, to be full boar and have all the guys with a different attitude in ‘09. So Coach is already working on his!” - Natt.
“To play better basketball.” - Martin.
“You’re never too old to learn. You’re never too old to get better and strive to be the best person you can be. And I think as men in this locker room that’s what we all try to do and be. Family-wise, try to be a better husband and father. We play so much and we’re always on the road. I’m not the most sensitive guy, so I know that’s something I definitely need to work on.” - Jackson.
“My New Years resolution is to try to work as hard as possible. I definitely come here to work, but just to work extremely hard — almost passing out type of work — and to finish off the season strong and to have a successful Summer League.” - Greene.
As for what he’ll remember most about 2008, Greene reflected, “Getting drafted, all the trades, Coach Theus being let go and my half a season at Syracuse in ‘08. It’s been a fun year.”
Though the team has yet to determine the outcome of its final game in ‘08, with optimism and hard work on the horizon, there is much to anticipate in 2009.
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