The term microfracture surgery has become a dirty word in the NBA.  Of late, though, quite a few players have successfully made the journey all the way back (Amare Stoudemire and Jason Kidd among the most prominent).  But only two notable NBA players, Stoudemire and Danny Manning, have overcome reconstructive surgeries on both knees. Kenyon Martin is determined to become the third.

After playing in just two games in the 2006-07 campaign, Martin was shocked to find that a little knee pain was the start of something that would force him to once again have microfracture surgery.  This time the procedure would be done on his other knee, and as soon as the announcement was made, NBA pundits from one end of the country to the other were proclaiming it might all be over for Martin.  Even Martin himself was quite discouraged about the diagnosis.

However, after a little R&R, Martin cleared his head and made a promise to himself that he would do everything in his power to return to the NBA hardwood.  And along the way, he learned some lessons which have surprised even him.

"I learned to take my time," Martin explained in an exclusive interview.  "I learned some patience, learned things I need to do to get back on the court to be close to 100%.  It was a matter of just listening and not thinking I know everything.  I'm listening to (strength and conditioning coach Steve) Hess everyday."

Martin has been working hard to rehab his knee with Hess since long before the regular season ended last April and has been a regular in the Pepsi Center weight room.

"He's a genetic freak," Hess explained.  "The dude wasn't able to do much cardio for months, and he didn't gain a percentage of body fat."

Sure enough, Martin looks as good physically as he ever has.  However, that won't take away the pain of losing the better part of the last two seasons to injury.

"It was rough not being out there," Martin said shaking his head and staring at the ground.  "You know, guys going to war and all I could do was clap, cheer, and give my opinion.  It's cool if you're playing.  It's cool if you've got the uniform on.  But it's taught me patience which I didn't have before."

Martin was so impatient during his first microfracture recovery that he actually came back almost six months before the doctor recommended return date.  Despite the fickle and sudden pain, Martin tried to push through the 2005-06 season.  Critics called him soft despite the fact he returned so quickly showing an obvious misunderstanding of the microfracture recovery process.  In reality if Martin was guilty of anything, it was trying to come back too quickly.

"I was the least patient person you might meet, especially when it comes to basketball," Martin confided.  "I wanted results now.  I just had to learn how to put that behind me and just do the things that are going to get me back to the player I used to be."

Despite the obvious frustration Martin felt from not being able to get out on the floor and help his teammates last season, he still made every effort to support their cause.

"Kenyon's life is basketball," explained Nuggets' executive Bret Bearup.  "I mean, how many other guys who are out for the year do you see going on road trips with the team?"

Point well taken.  While quite a number of injured superstar players over the years have preferred to relax in their posh cribs during road trips, Martin made a point of traveling with the team frequently and was quick to offer words of advice and encouragement to his comrades.

Even despite all he has done to prove to people he's ready to come back better than ever next season, the doubters have once again returned in force convinced K-Mart will never again be the same player.

"I don't listen to it, man," Martin said with a shrug.  "I know what's in my heart.  I just got a new tattoo: 'God's Plan, My Will.'  That's what it's all about.  I don't worry about anybody else.  I worry about what Kenyon can do and what I know I can do.  There's been doubters before.  People said I wasn't going to play again after I broke my leg in college.  I was the number one pick.  I broke my leg again my rookie year and people said I wasn't going to be the same.  What happened?  I was an All-Star.  So go ahead and keep counting me out.  I don't worry about it."

Martin will turn 30 this December, which is the age most players hit their prime.  Martin plans to do the same even though he may not be able to run or jump quite the way he once did.

"On the court, I just want to get back to the player I used to be.  If not that player then as close to it as I can get.  I'm working at it now.  Just for me to be happy and play basketball with no pain, which I haven't had for three or four years.  So that's my goal."

If Martin's successful in achieving that goal, the Nuggets might be as dangerous as any team in the Association next season.