Kenyon Martin is “impatiently waiting” to make a return to the court, and the Nuggets forward said “the last three games are a possibility,” in reference to Saturday against the Spurs, then Monday against the Grizzlies and Tuesday at the Suns.
“I just finished working out today, I’m going to work out Friday and if there’s any pain, then no (on playing),” said Martin. “But as of right now, I don’t have any pain.”
Martin has been going close to full speed in workouts, notably against assistant coach Jamahl Mosley. The key, Martin said, is battling fatigue.
“I need to get some wind in these lungs,” he said, “especially playing on this court (at altitude). It isn’t the easiest place to play. I definitely need to get some type of basketball in.”
Martin admitted that “he’s got to be conservative,” but he is confident he can play sooner rather than later. He has said over and over that he wants to return to game action before the playoffs, because the playoff games are generally more intense.
Martin on March 8 underwent platelet rich plasma therapy, which is a revolutionary treatment that takes platelets from another part of the body and are then put into the injured part, in efforts to have the body heal itself. It seems unlikely Martin will need another treatment.
For the season, K-Mart averages 11.8 points and 9.6 boards. More important, he’s the quarterback of Denver’s defense.
Martin said he is giddy about putting on the uniform again. He has missed 17 straight games.
“I put it on for the team picture,” Martin said, “and I almost teared up a little bit.”
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
