Who is Kenyon Martin Jr? The son of former No 1 pick in the NBA draft making a name for himself in the league with Houston Rockets

In 2020, Kenyon Martin Jr. joined the distinguished club of second-generation NBA players. His father, Kenyon Martin, was drafted first overall by the New Jersey Nets in 2000 and went on to stay in the league for 15 years. Along with making an All-Rookie team, the former No. 1 pick landed an All-Star nomination in 2004.

While he wasn't the top pick of his class, Martin Jr. still got to hear his name called on draft night. The Sacramento Kings selected him with the 52nd pick, but he quickly made his way over to the Houston Rockets. There, he has been able to join one of the NBA's brightest young cores headlined by top picks Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr.

So far, the 21-year-old has played in 128 games and posted averages of 9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

Kenyon Martin Jr. had untraditional journey to the NBA

In today's era, prospects have multiple different routes they can before making their way to the NBA. Some still join the ranks of college basketball, while others play professionally overseas or in the G League.

While Martin Jr. was initially going to play at Vanderbilt, he ultimately made the decision to spend a year playing professionally outside of the United States. Along with learning from his father, gaining experience overseas helped better ready him for the NBA.

Another untraditional route in his journey has been surviving as a second-round pick. As one of the final picks in his draft, chances of making it were slim for the second-generation forward. However, he continues to earn consistent playing time and keep his spot on the Houston Rockets' roster.

Kenyon Martin Jr. and his father share a lot in common

When looking at father-son pairings in the NBA, there are typically small similiarities in their games. The most obvious example being the Curry brothers.

While their father, Dell, was an above-average shooter in his time, his sons have gone on to become two of the best to ever do it. Both Steph and Seth sit atop the list of all-time shooters in terms of percentage.

Along with sharing a name, Kenyon Martin Jr. and his father share a similar style of play as well. Even though they are slightly undersized for the power forward position, they make up for it in athleticism and toughness.

Now in his third season, the young forward continues to beat the odds and carry on his family's legacy in the league.