Martin Facing Uncertain Future in Sacramento

ORLANDO, Fla. -- As the consummate professional, Kings veteran Kevin Martin was saying all the right things Friday. The body language, though, was saying something else.

His future in Sacramento has grown cloudy.

Martin, who recently returned after missing 32 games with a fractured left wrist, is the only proven starter on a team that is eroding rapidly and searching for a new identity.

The Kings (15-27) lost for the 12th time in the last 13 games Friday, when they were throttled, 100-84, by the Orlando Magic.

This will be Martin's fourth consecutive losing season -- under his fifth different coach in his six years in Sacramento -- as the face of a team going nowhere.

"When you see how many teams are interested in you, that's a good thing. But whatever happens, it happens,'' he said Friday before the game. "I can't do anything about it. I'm in Sacramento now with a smile on my face. If I go somewhere else, I'll have a smile on my face there, too.''

Martin clearly was uncomfortable talking about where he might be playing next, or if he rather would be playing for a contender. He turns 27 next month, in his prime athletic years, hoping not to waste them with a team just starting to rebuild. There was plenty he wanted to say, but he didn't.

He has averaged at least 20 points each of the last three years, yet the Kings have won 33, 38 and 17 games, respectively. They will be lucky to win 30 this time.

There is the issue of Evans, the No. 4 pick of the draft from Memphis. He has been outstanding, averaging 20.9 points, 5.0 assists and 4.9 rebounds, but he also was playing at shooting guard until Martin returned Jan. 15. Evans will finish the season at point guard alongside Martin.

"I think we'll be fine. If it fits, it fits. If it doesn't, it just doesn't. We'll see,'' Martin said. "We're both versatile, both able to play multiple positions. And he's going to be a great player.''

The Kings have said they believe a Martin/Evans backcourt could be one of the best in the NBA, a pair of 20-point scorers who could complement each other well, although neither is considered a true point guard.

On Friday, they looked foreign to each other. Martin hit one of seven shots for five points in 41 minutes. Evans hit six of 15 shots for 19 points. The Kings played their worst games of the season, never seriously challenging the Magic.

They play Saturday night in Miami. They haven't won since Martin returned five games ago.

"I don't worry about them blending,'' said Kings coach Paul Westphal. "They're both really unselfish and versatile. It's going to be a tough matchup for opponents. That's not our problem now."