Shawn Kemp: The Reign-Man Is Back

Good luck to Kemp then. If he's in game shape, he will be signed by All-star break... I will laugh so hard if he gets picked up before Spree. Imagine what Spree will do!

On the topic of washed up NBA players... what's happened to Vin Baker?

On the topic of washed up NBA players... what's happened to Vin Baker?

He was waived by the Rockets because of the "Allan Houston" rule I think.

oh wow so thats him in that picture interesting.

With Chandler not being too impressive at the moment, I wouldn't mind if the Bulls picked him up as a veteran alternative. Kemp was one of my favourites back in the day, I'd like to see him get a better send-off.

On the topic of washed up NBA players... what's happened to Vin Baker?

He was waived by the Rockets because of the "Allan Houston" rule I think.

What's the "Allen Houston" rule again?

you waive one player in the off-season and you avoid playing a dollar for dollar luxury tax for the rest of that players contract .

They should change it to the "Jerome Williams Rule"

don't remind me of that

Auburn Hills, Mich. - Former NBA star Shawn Kemp's agent plans on calling a handful of teams - including the Nuggets - to gauge their interest.

Kemp's agent, Tony Dutt, said he believes Denver could be a good fit because his client had his best years under Nuggets coach George Karl in Seattle. With Nene out for the season with a right knee injury and Kenyon Martin suffering from tendinitis in his right knee, another frontcourt player could aid Denver. But to add a free agent, the Nuggets would have to waive a player.

"Shawn told me he has had no problems with Karl and he could play there," Dutt said.

Kemp played for the SuperSonics from 1989-97. The five-time all-star also played for Cleveland, Portland and Orlando before ending his career in 2003. He has a history of weight issues and off-the-court problems. The Nuggets worked him out two years ago, but Kemp was grossly overweight and didn't have a solid outing. Dutt says Kemp now weighs about 270 pounds.

"That was a real wake-up call that if you're going to try to return, really do it right," Dutt said of the workout with the Nuggets.

Karl said he is in favor of taking a look at Kemp.

"I like Shawn," Karl said. "He and Gary (Payton) made my career. Without them, I'd probably be coaching a high school basketball team somewhere."

Said Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe: "I wouldn't discount anyone. There is that connection (with Karl). If anyone can bring it out of him, it's George. But it's nothing we've pursued."

he'd be a good fit for the nuggets. Reunite with his old coach + fill the nuggets need for anther big body with nene out

This is the pic they show on hoopshype.com



no clue how old it is,but seems like it's pretty old if you compare it to the ones above.

God he's huge in that picture . Hes fat as hell their .

om gu are so right.. he is a big guy right there. almost as big as diop and stuff

That was in 2002 or 2003, whilst he was with Orlando. He looked and played horrible there.

If Kemp is back at 260 pounds and has left behind all the ugly things in his life, I think he could really be a contributor in the league... 36 is old, but he was still playing a year ago and with the reduced mass, he should be better than before...

6'10" and 260 pounds is pretty good if you ask me...

If he's got game, he'll get a contract... Even half decent big men are in big demand in the NBA and he's atleast half decent...

the team in chicago could definitely use a big man for some spot duty

No complaints here, can't see much risk if Kemp's not in the mood to Sprewell his contract demands which wouldn't seem to be the case.

Kemp Comes Home

Shawn Kemp got back in the area this week.

He's visiting family, working out and getting excited about basketball again.

It's been a couple of years since he played in the NBA.

Now he's 36, but he's a changed man... at least physically.

6 months ago we told you about an article in the Seattle Times.

Kemp was working out in Houston with a dream of coming back.

Now he's lost 70 pounds and says you'll be shocked at what he can still do on the basketball floor.

He also says he has no regrets.

Shawn Kemp was at the Elkhart Memorial game watching his nephew Chris play for the Chargers. He has slimmed down considerably. He had become the joke of the league carrying over 300 pounds. It was a long way from his days as the "Reign Man" when he was in Seattle. After floundering through NBA days with Portland, Cleveland and Orlando, Kemp finally had to leave the game. His weight had taken a toll. He was no longer effective at the elite level. He had some run ins with the law. People questioned his personal life. It looked like a hero gone bad. Now he says he wants to gain the respect of all those who thought he was done. He told me he has been offered contracts by teams, but an ankle injury during his workouts has set him back. He said his ankle is now fine and he expects to be back around the NBA All-Star Break. He told me people will be shocked by what he can do on the basketball floor. Shawn is living in Seattle and working out at the University of Houston. He seems very at peace with what has happened in his life. He says he has no regrets, but he has learned from things that have happened in his life. He says he will be back. And this time he wants to go out on top. Losing 70 pounds in 6 months is not easy for anyone. But for a 36 year old man, it shows his determination and it shows what drove him to be an NBA All Star early in his career. FOX 28 will air more of this exclusive interview Monday January 30th on FOX 28 News at 10.

I am damn excited. I can't wait to see his return on the court. I knew he will be back. The second half of the season should be more exciting, stay tuned.

Wow! Great news, I hope that the pic from hoop hype isn't him or at least its old and he isn't like that right now!

Interesting... I'm gonna keep my eyes open when All Star time comes around. I hope it doesn't end up as a Rodman sighting.

Kickass. I always had respect for kemp. I just felt it was a waste how he ruined his opportunities.

Still hoping he'll sign with Chicago.

Indy could use him

Hornets to replace Birdman?

That would be somewhat of a coincidence, given substance abuse almost drove Kemp out of the league.

What about returning to the Sonics, since it says he lives there?

I'll be waiting to see where he signs, if anywhere.