By Dave Goldstein
Enquirer contributor

The New Jersey Nets' Kenyon Martin was named to his first Eastern Conference All-Star team this season, but according to the former Cincinnati Bearcat, it isn't his play that has changed, but how others perceive it.

New Jersey Nets' Kenyon Martin, right, takes a rebound away from New Orleans Hornets' P.J. Brown. (AP photo)

"I'm still playing my game like always, I just have a bigger name now," Martin said. "I'm just getting more respect from the other coaches, things like that."

Although his performances still include the rim-rattling dunks and jaw-clenching intensity Martin is known for, his overall play has reached new heights.

Martin averages 17.8 points and 9.7 rebounds a game - both career highs - and he is on pace to eclipse his career bests in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, steals and minutes played.

Now in his fourth year in the NBA, Martin has a positive influence on his teammates' play as well.

"He has become one of our big emotional leaders," All-Star teammate Jason Kidd said. "When you come to play every night with the attitude that he comes with, people will follow. That's why guys love to play with him, and why he has grown to become one of the best forwards in this league. He's done it at the right time, too - he's a free agent, and his future is set."

Martin will indeed be a restricted free agent after this season, and while there is no doubt that somebody will pay a hefty sum for this high-flying forward, the question now is who?

His ability to run suggests Martin could make an easy transition to the faster Western Conference game, but his love of defense and improved rebounding could make him just as valuable in the grind-it-out East.

For now, Martin says he's focused on this season.

"I'm only worrying about the second half of the season," Martin said. "I'm not worried about the summertime. The summertime will take care of itself."

With the Nets' right to match any offer made to him, Martin may find himself staying put this summer, which wouldn't seem to be such a bad thing.

The Nets have won two consecutive Eastern Conference championships, and boast a fun, fast-breaking style of play.

And after replacing coach Byron Scott with former assistant Lawrence Frank, the Nets have won 12 straight.

"(Martin) continues to improve, he works on his game and he's a great leader, but the thing that stands out most about him is his will to win," Frank said.

"You just don't see too many people like Kenyon in that way. We're just talking about today, so it's up to Kenyon if he wants to talk about next year, but I will say, publicly, that I want Kenyon Martin to be a Net forever. I believe that, but I don't have purse strings."

Nets' run

The 34-20 New Jersey Nets put their 13-game winning streak on the line at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at home against the Toronto Raptors. The Nets are unbeaten in 12 games since Lawrence Frank took over as coach. That ties the North American mark for the best coaching start in professional sports.

Date	Opponent	Score
Jan. 25	Boston	110-91
Jan. 27	at Philadelphia	94-76
Jan. 29	at Orlando	89-79
Jan. 31	at Houston	88-77
Feb. 2	at New Orleans	91-70
Feb. 4	Miami	99-88
Feb. 6	Orlando	120-99
Feb. 8	Philadelphia	99-87
Feb. 10	Detroit	89-78
Feb. 11	at Cleveland	105-85
Feb. 18	Atlanta	98-92
Friday	at Toronto	91-72
Saturday	New Orleans	97-84