Kenyon Martin Sr. spent over ten years in the limelight as one of the most aggressive forwards in the NBA, but his wife, Shakira Watson, just wants to live a much more discreet lifestyle. Since June 2016, the couple has been married and leads a stable family life, which mostly does not involve the high publicity that often surrounds professional athletes.
Although Martin was a household name during his NBA career and eventually moved into coaching, Watson has remained largely unknown. Although her presence has been low-profile, she has played a supportive role in Martin’s post-playing career, often joining him at sports and charity events.
A unique wedding and lasting relationship
Kenyon Martin and Shakira Watson married on June 15, 2016, in a picturesque ceremony on a yacht off the coast of Miami. The wedding was also of interest, not just because of the unusual ocean location, but also because Watson wore a black wedding dress. This unexpected issue soon found its way into media discussions and among fans.
Ever since the marriage, Watson has stuck with Martin throughout most of their appearances.
Even after retirement, the NBA All-Star has continued practising basketball, especially through his BIG3, where he shifted to coaching and mentoring young basketball players.
Inside their family life and blended household
Watson and Martin have two children together, and this is the basis of their family life. Moreover, Watson is also a stepmother to Martin’s three children, the offspring of his former wife, Heather Thompson.
Kenyon Martin Jr. is one of those children who has made his father his role model in playing professional basketball and is now playing in the NBA. Cierra and Kamron are Martin’s other children and are thus included in the extended family setup.
Watson has wisely kept her professional and personal information private, unlike most partners of professional athletes. She does not maintain a well-known public presence as an influencer, and the bulk of the information available about her concerns her appearances with Martin, attending sports events, and charity balls. This has been a very reserved attitude that has enabled the couple to maintain a more stable and intimate family life despite Martin being a high-profile career athlete.
