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***
Kevin Martin isn't on Twitter, so there will be no cyberspace battle with former player/ESPN analyst Jalen Rose in that forum. Rose won't be coming to Sacramento anytime soon, either, at least not as part of any nationally-televised game involving the Kings.
But it's safe to say there won't be any Martin Christmas card sent to the Rose household a few months from now, not with his recent declaration that the Kings shooting guard is simply not All-Star material. In the interest of full disclosure, I relayed Rose's sentiments to Martin on Tuesday as we discussed the current state of his reputation league-wide.
And while I shared part of Martin's comments in today's story - with Martin saying he didn't need Rose's respect and that he's worried only about winning - there was some comedic material left out.
Told of Rose's comment, Martin wasn't afraid to have some fun with the quasi-prediction.
"Was Jalen Rose ever an All-Star?" (Answer: no)," Martin said. "You know what Cedric Ceballos said to me in the preseason, is that the difference between a star and a scorer is wins and losses, so that's what I'm doing now. I'm finding ways to win in other (areas)...(Rose) may not have meant anything harmful if he was looking at wins and losses. If that's the case, it doesn't have to be a personal thing because I respect him as a player and don't want to get into that."
A pause and a grin...
"Besides, in my prime and his prime, I'd bust his (butt)," he said with a laugh.
READ WHILE YOU WAIT
From The Bee
Martin trying to be a more complete player, By Sam Amick
Thompson tries to limit fouls, By Jason Jones
From the Atlanta-Journal Constitution
Resilient Hawks bounce back, By Sekou Smith
Hawks blog: 'Pump your brakes,' By Sekou Smith
GAME PREVIEW
Kings' update: This team must get used to that sinking feeling whenever it peeks at the opponent's roster, and tonight is no different. The Hawks pose threats on every front and are far more talented. The Kings, however, could start a decent buzz in town if they can protect the home floor for a second consecutive game.
Hawks' update: Mike Bibby is back at Arco Arena for the third time since being traded from the Kings to Atlanta on Feb. 16, 2008. In his previous two visits with the Hawks, he had 17 points and four assists in a 119-107 Atlanta loss Feb. 20, 2008, and 29 points and four assists in a 105-100 Hawks victory Feb. 18, 2009.
Probable starters
KINGS
PG Tyreke Evans
SG Kevin Martin
SF D. Mason (I've since been informed it will likely be Andres Nocioni)
PF J. Thompson
C S. Hawes
HAWKS
PG Mike Bibby
SG Joe Johnson
SF M. Williams
PF Josh Smith
C Al Horford
- Sam Amick
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