NBA 2K13 Player Ratings: Houston Rockets Guard Kevin Martin Rated 81

Thomas Campbell-US Presswire

Kevin Martin-81

Here is a player getting a rating based on what he has done in the past and not in the present.  Kevin Martin had a down season last year and didn’t show any signs of recovering. He didn’t adjust to the new rules that prohibited him from getting easy touch fouls. He lived at the line before last season. He tried to continue that in 2012, but the referees made him move out. He also never got over that nixed deal that would have sent him to the New Orleans Hornets. Martin was not the same last season and that was quite evident on and off the court.

Kevin Martin being rated as the best Houston Rocket at 81 isn’t surprising, but it just seems wrong. Guys like Jeremy Lin and Chandler Parsons had strong seasons, while Martin struggled throughout. His shooting suffered, his All-Star swagger was nonexistent and his defense got even worse. He went from averaging 23 points in the 2010-2011 season to just 17 points last season. That’s a 6 point drop off in just one season, which is inexcusable for a player of his caliber.

Martin needs to redefine who he is as a basketball player. He needs to attack the basket more, but without looking for contact or flopping. He needs to keep shooting. Like it or not, he’s the best shooter on the Rockets roster and if they want to make an impact out in the Western Conference they will need Martin’s scoring. He also needs to put more effort into his defense.

Jeremy Lamb is waiting in the wings and will be looking for his opportunity to start as quickly as possible. If Martin wants to keep his position and his spot on the roster he needs to return to his old form and adopt somewhat of a new playing style. With the new rules and him being stubborn about changing his game isn’t going to cut it. Martin has the talent to be rated 85 or higher on NBA 2K. If he does what he needs to do he should be within that on NBA 2K14. If not, he will be just another player hovering around in the 70’s.