Denver Nuggets Power Forward Kenyon Martin will visit Vail knee specialist Dr. Richard Steadman today.  While Martin would not confirm or deny reports that he has a partial tear of the patella tendon in his left knee, he has expressed serious concern about the injury.

“Haven’t slept a lot in the last couple days – just the not knowing. We’ll see. I’m going to try to be optimistic,” said Martin. “With knees, it’s always a sensitive topic with me after what I’ve been through.”

What Kenyon has been through is two microfracture surgeries, one on each knee.  The right knee was operated on in 2006, and his troublesome left knee saw surgery in 2005.

Dr. Richard Steadman is a pioneering sports medicine specialist focusing on knee disorders.  The fact that Martin is paying Dr. Steadman a visit speaks volumes about the potential seriousness of Kenyon’s injury.  Season-ending knee surgery for the dominating defensive forward is not out of the question.

Denver may actually be more dependent upon Kenyon Martin than Carmelo Anthony.  The Nuggets have proven that they can score without Melo, but their defense suffers greatly without the physical presence of Martin in the low post.

Sunday night’s home contest against the Portland Trailblazers was a perfect example of how important Martin is to the Nuggets.  Denver was forced to play a modified lineup as a short-term defensive fix.  The Nuggets are 3-4 with Kenyon out of the lineup.

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