Carlos Danger wrote:I don't think people are complaining about Martin's scoring or saying he's grossly over paid. I think people are concerned about his overall effort and leadership. Here's what I've read recently:
From Flip Saunders interview: http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/277337171.html?page=3&c=y
Q You've said you'll demand more of a guy like Kevin Martin. In what ways?
A Well, a leadership role, but when you talk to anybody, everybody talks about his lack of defense. You've got to have the right mindset. I'm going to challenge him to have that defensive mindset. Is he ever going to be all-team defense? No, I'm not asking him to do that. But I am asking him to sacrifice the things he needs to do within a team concept.
From yesterday's Strib: http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/277690291.html?page=1&c=y
His decision to mentor his young teammates follows Taylor's unexpected phone call in which the owner essentially asked Martin to give him, at $7 million a season, more than he did a season ago.
Martin said he'll "leave our conversation to us" but did say Taylor talked about the team's new players and the two discussed how last season disintegrated and players' efforts "disrespected" coach Rick Adelman.
Now add in Martin's own admission of taking short cuts, coasting etc. and most can fill in the blanks.
Fill in the blanks.. that he's being challenged from the coach to the owner and all indications are he's stepping up to those challenges and growing up a bit while calling himself out? Yes that's terrible.
His comments don't bother me one bit. People often read into things too much (I'm bad at this myself) and make judgements based on snippets of an interview. Taking things with a grain of salt helps. I was also someone who early on this summer wanted him & his contract out, but I'm glad I had nothing to do with that decision b/c I'm really liking the makeup of the team right now especially after some early signs from Martin.
As for the not knowing Love was traded, he was trolling and it's a non issue.
