Fantasy Basketball: Can Kenyon Martin Replace Amare Stoudemire?

The New York Knicks recently brought in veteran PF Kenyon Martin as insurance, and with Amare Stoudemire set to undergo knee surgery that will keep him out at least six weeks, it’s time for the team to cash in on that policy.

Stoudemire had become a fantasy basketball force once again over the past few weeks, specifically the last few games with Carmelo Anthony out. Unfortunately, the knee issues came back once again and he will be out for likely the rest of the regular season. The obvious move for the Knicks is to give Martin a shot, but if they do, can he help out your fantasy squad?

For now, Stoudemire owners should look elsewhere for a PF replacement. In deep leagues, however, it could be worth taking a shot on Martin…or at least keeping a close eye on him. He could start to see over 20 minutes per game, and while the team will rely on him mostly as a defensive presence, he can still finish at the rim. He proved last season with the Los Angeles Clippers that he can still provide efficient scoring and rebound, and he can also be a source of blocks and steals as well.

While neither the Knicks or fantasy owners can expect the K-Mart of old, his defensive prowess should earn him plenty of minutes, and those minutes can lead to fantasy success. He will hold most of his value in deeper league, and again should not be added right away, but he now has a chance to become fantasy relevant again.

Rich Arleo is a fantasy sports expert with Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Rarleo, ‘Like’ him on Facebook and add him to your networks on Google.