"Well this could be weird. Imagine the Nuggets, needing a basket late in the game, but being stymied on the defensive end by Kenyon Martin.

It could happen. Denver's longtime defensive stopper is going to join the Clippers as a free agent. Denver plays the Clippers in L.A. on Feb. 22 and at home April 18.

The Martin signing is an important one for the Clippers as they try to establish themselves in unlikely territory — among the top teams in the Western Conference.

The longtime Nuggets power forward returned from playing in China and chose the Clippers and close friend Chauncey Billups, a former teammate with Denver.

The Nuggets weren't in contention to re-sign the unrestricted free agent. Martin considered the Heat, Lakers and Hawks, among others."