Season Length: 82 games
Quarter Length: 12 minute quarters
Playoff Format: 7-7-7-7
Sliders: Mine
Rosters: NLSC 05/06 Uninjured with Shawn Kemp added as a FA (66 OVL)
CHICAGO BULLS 2005/2006
October Transactions
Chicago names Jeremiah Preston an assistant coach
Chicago hires Malachi Otter as a scout
Chicago hires Ansel Clayton as trainer
Chicago trades F Tim Thomas to Charlotte for C Jake Voskhul
Chicago signs F/C Shawn Kemp to a 2 year $9 million contract
Chicago releases G Eddie Basden
Chicago signs G Wesley Person to a 1 year $4.4 million contract
Bulls sign veteran big man Shawn Kemp
Chicago, IL -- Shawn Kemp, better known during his days in Seattle as "The Reignman" is on his way back to the NBA after inking a two year deal with the Chicago Bulls reportedly worth $9 million. Kemp, who has sat out the 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 NBA seasons will attempt to resurrect a career that was derailed by substance abuse.
"My career didn't end up how I would have liked, I didn't get to leave on my own terms," the 35 year old former All-Star told reporters at his first Bulls practice. "I'm very grateful for the opportunity to prove I can still play the game at the highest level and help Chicago make another playoff run."
Kemp figures to ease the loss of Eddy Curry, who was re-signed then traded to the Knicks this past offseason. In Kemp, who has shed nearly 30 pounds in preparation for his comeback, the Bulls have a legitimate big man and a former All-Star who will no doubt tutor Tyson Chandler and Mike Sweetney as well as seeing some significant minutes as the Bulls look to return to the playoffs again after breaking a six year drought last April.
One last chance for The Reignman
by Samuel Smythe*
*Just in case there's any lawyers around!
Shawn Kemp understands the skepticism. He's 35 years old. He hasn't set foot on an NBA court in two years. His best years are behind him and his recent past has been filled with weight problems, cocaine addiction and countless paternity jokes. At the same time, the lucrative deal he signed with the Cavaliers back in 1998 a year after his trade from Seattle has afforded him financial security and allows his family to live in comfort. But that's not what Kemp wants his legacy to be, that's not how he wants to be remembered.
That's why he's standing here talking to reporters after an intense training session. That's why he's dropped a remarkable amount of flab. That's why he's convinced the Bulls to give him a two year deal estimated to be worth around $9 million to show he's not washed up. And I admit it, I'm one of those skeptics. Kemp says he's grateful for the opportunity. I'm sure there's a lot of fans hoping he'll show his appreciation through his production.
This isn't the same Kemp that looked so impressive against us in the 1996 NBA Finals. It's not the same Kemp that was expected to lead the young Cavaliers in the late 90s and he's a far cry from the young man with so much potential and athleticism. But he insists he's also not the same man who was suspended for violating the terms of his rehabilitation and that at least is a piece of good news.
Kemp won't be around for long and Curry may be destined for bigger things in New York, but as a short term solution I'm willing to give it a chance. After all, he's a former All-Star who reached heights Curry hasn't come close to touching yet. He won't need to be the Reignman of old. If he can defend the paint, score a few buckets a night and perhaps pass on some of his more admirable habits to the likes of Tyson Chandler and Mike Sweetney, he'll be worth the investment.
Why do I have such faith in him? Watching him practice, I noticed a touch of the old Shawn Kemp. He can still hit jumpers and is effective around the basket, he can still rebound (probably better than Curry) and he even threw down a couple of dunks. He hasn't forgotten how to play the game.
I'm not sure whether I'd start him though. His conditioning could be better and he seemed exhausted after practice finished, but whether he starts or come off the bench it seems he would be able to give the Bulls a decent 20-25 minutes per night at the power forward and centre positions. I anticipate the Bulls will experiment with their lineups as far as Kemp, Chandler and Sweetney are concerned before deciding who deserves the starting nod. Chandler will likely start at centre most of the time while Sweetney and Kemp battle it out at power forward.
I expect Luol Deng will edge out Andres Nocioni at the other forward while Hinrich will probably start alongside Ben Gordon in the backcourt. Chris Duhon impressed a lot of people last year and worked hard during the offseason but the Bulls will not benefit from holding Gordon back.
It should be an interesting season that kicks off in the United Center against the Bobcats on Wednesay.
Dirk Nowitzki drops 50 in one of three opening night contests
The Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki outshone his former teammate and reigning Most Valuable Player Steve Nash as he scored 50 points in the Dallas Mavericks' 128-98 thumping of the Phoenix Suns. Jason Terry added 24 points and 11 assists for the Mavericks, who outscored the Suns 38-23 in the third quarter and never looked back.
"Obviously, this isn't the kind of start we were hoping for," commented Suns' coach Mike D'Antoni. "We're disappointed but we know we've got 81 games left to play. We won't let this happen again anytime soon." Nowitzki admitted that the meltdown in last year's playoffs added extra motivation. "I wasn't happy with how our season ended," the All-Star forward said. "We wanted some revenge."
Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion and Steve Nash all scored more than 20 points led by Nash's 25, but Marion shot 9/24 and Kurt Thomas was the only other Sun in double figures, with 11 points off the bench to go with 10 rebounds.
Elsewhere the Bucks survived an overtime battle with the Sixers as first overall pick Andrew Bogut made his NBA debut, scoring 12 points as well as grabbing 14 rebounds, blocking two shots and dishing out 4 assists before fouling out in Milwaukee's 100-98 victory. Allen Iverson scored 31 points as he led a 27-13 fourth quarter charge that forced the extra period. Redd scored 28 for the Bucks while Webber had 20 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists for the Sixers.
The defending champion San Antonio Spurs opened their season against the Denver Nuggets, whom they eliminated 4-1 in the first round en route to their 2005 crown. Tim Duncan was in fine form scoring 22 points to go along with 10 boards and 5 assists as the Spurs topped the Nuggets 91-82. Michael Finley, acquired during the offseason after being waived under the amnesty clause by the Dallas Mavericks, scored 10 points off the bench. Marcus Camby led the Nuggets with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks while star forward Carmelo Anthony scored 12 points and struggled shooting 5/16 from the field.
Coach's Diary
November 1st, 2005
I'm excited about this season. I still can't believe I've been given the opportunity to take the reigns as coach and general manager of the team I've always loved. I have a really good feeling going into the new campaign.
There's some tough obstacles though. The guys are still dealing with the loss of Eddy Curry. It's the nature of the business but last year everyone formed a close-knit unit so it's not as though they've just lost a teammate or colleague, they've lost a friend to the "enemy". And in replacing Scott Skiles, I'm replacing a coach they both liked and respected. So far everyone has given me a warm reception and I feel they've put their faith in me. I definitely feel some pressure to live up to their expectations, not to mention those of the fans, Jerry Reinsdorf and my own.
I can't wait until tomorrow. I'm sure we'll put on a show for our fans and start the season on a high.
Game recaps, etc starting soon
j/k
Fixed it up now.
