Hornets star says teammate allegedly point-shaved to avoid being an NBA All-Star

In a league where individual accolades often drive the narrative, Jeremy Lamb’s recent comments about his former teammate Kevin Martin caught NBA fans completely off guard—and for Charlotte Hornets supporters, it offered a rare look behind the curtain into the mindset of a player who prioritized peace over prestige.

The Scorer Who Didn’t Want the Spotlight

Jeremy Lamb, who spent four seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, shared an eye-opening story during a recent interview, recalling how Martin, known for his smooth jumper and unorthodox shooting form, would purposely stop scoring mid-game. “Kevin Martin was like, he was a beast… say it’s like the second quarter and he got like 19 points… he’ll look up and be like, ‘I got too many points.’”

To Lamb’s disbelief, Martin explained that if he kept scoring, he’d be made an All-Star—a status he actively avoided. “I want my time to myself,” Lamb quoted Martin as saying. It’s a rare mindset in a league where All-Star status brings endorsements, bigger contracts, and a permanent place in NBA lore.

The Cost of Stardom: Martin’s Calculated Choice

Martin, who averaged 17.4 points over his 12-year career, once put up 24.6 points per game in the 2008–09 season with Sacramento. But Lamb’s story suggests the shooting guard was fully aware of the weight that came with superstardom—media scrutiny, brand obligations, and constant public appearances.

Playing alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City, Martin quietly averaged 14.0 points per game, often choosing calm over chaos. According to Lamb, “He know he can go get 30 if he wanted to. He was a bucket…He was like, I’m chilling.”

Integrity or Indifference? Fans Ask the Tough Question

Lamb’s revelation inevitably raises eyebrows. Was Martin’s self-limiting behavior ethical? Could it be construed as points shaving—or simply a veteran managing his mental health in a demanding league?

Regardless of where fans land, Lamb’s story sparks an essential debate: in a sport that glorifies grinding to the top, is it okay for a player to opt out of the race?

Hornets star says teammate allegedly point-shaved to avoid being an NBA All-Star

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