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K.J. Martin finds role as steadying force for Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets rookie TyTy Washington paused as he contemplated a simple question before Sunday's home loss to New Orleans.

The guard out of Kentucky pondered which Houston teammate impressed him the most this season, scanning through the franchise's roster in his head. And rather than highlight franchise anchor Jalen Green or emerging lottery rookie Jabari Smith Jr., Washington tabbed a player not exactly in the national spotlight as of the 2022-23 season. While most people know K.J. Martin as one of the game's premier leapers, Washington sees an increasingly well-rounded player.

"He’' way more than people portray him as," Washington said of Martin, a third-year forward and second-round pick in the 2020 NBA draft.