ESPN NBA

The entire season to date, though, there's only been one constant. Not Kenny Thomas' rebounding, which has been incredible some nights and confusingly poor others. Not Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who has had quite a rollercoaster ride on offense and limited results on the other end. Not Mike Bibby, who has never given the ball away this much in his career. Not Ron Artest's defense, which has suffered as his Mercedes-inflicted injury has restricted his effectiveness.



The constant has been Kevin Martin. He's scored 20+ in seven of the nine games. He's scored 15+ in every game. He's went for 30 twice. He's shot below 50 percent in only three of the nine games, and has a 53 percent clip going overall. He has missed four of 67 free throw attempts. He's shooting 43 percent from three. He's the only King in Kelly Dwyer's latest Top 20.



He's real.



We always talk about dude's ceiling: is it Rip Hamilton? Is it Reggie Miller? Is it Mitch Richmond? Is it Kobe Bryant lite?



No one knows, and no one can reasonably guess. I've stopped being surprised by the kid, because he has exceeded every expectation every reasonable Kings fan has had.