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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ben DuBose

Twitter reacts to Rockets rookie KJ Martin blocking Rudy Gobert at rim

Though he’s only 6-foot-6, Houston Rockets rookie KJ Martin is quickly becoming known for his interior defense and shot-blocking presence.

In January, Houston’s athletic young prospect rejected Dallas center Boban Marjanović — who stands 7 feet, 4 inches tall — right at the rim. On Friday, he did the same to 7-foot-2 Rudy Gobert, an All-Star with the Utah Jazz. Appropriately, Twitter users went wild when he pulled it off. See below for a compilation of the best social media reactions.

Martin is the son of Kenyon Martin, a 15-year NBA veteran and the No. 1 overall pick from the 2000 draft. As such, the younger Martin is still learning at the professional level. Yet, like fellow 20-year-old Kevin Porter Jr., his development gives fans of the struggling Rockets something to watch in what otherwise feels like a lost season. Houston (11-24) entered Friday with 14 straight losses, which is their longest skid since 2000.

In recent weeks, Martin averaged 17.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 31.5 minutes per game during a stint in the G League with Houston’s affiliate club, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. With the parent team’s playoff hopes becoming extremely remote, his development should become a clear priority as the 2020-21 season progresses.

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