Nuggets' forward Kenyon Martin has officially graduated from a spot player to an every-night player.

Coach George Karl said Martin will play in all games from here on - as long as his surgically repaired right knee holds up.

"I think so," Karl said. "Until he gets some swelling or some soreness, that's where we're going."

To this point, Martin's knee hasn't been a problem. The 6-foot-9 forward had microfracture surgery on the injured knee last season. Coming into this season, the plan was to be cautious with Martin. He sat out of the majority of the preseason games and was barred from playing in back-to-back games when the regular season started.

That changed last week, as Martin showed no ill effects from playing. That progress, coupled with the injury to Nene, forced Martin into an increased role, but Karl said he still will not play Martin more than 25 minutes per game.