LOL! PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Shawn Kemp, the former NBA All-Star whose career has crumbled because of weight and drug problems, will be waived Tuesday by the Portland Trail Blazers, The Oregonian reported in its Tuesday edition. Stunningly, Kemp has agreed to forfeit more than $25 million of the $46.5 million left on his contract, the newspaper said. In the agreement, the Blazers will pay Kemp about $20 million over more than 10 years. It is unknown why Kemp would agree to give up $25 million of his guaranteed contract, and his agent and attorney did not return phone calls to The Oregonian. The Blazers, through spokesman Mike Hanson, also did not comment Monday. The move has important financial implications for the Blazers, with the team likely to save at least $40 million in NBA luxury taxes. Cleveland coach John Lucas, who has counseled Kemp in recent years, said he was shocked at the news. "It's not often you hear of players giving back money, especially one of this magnitude," Lucas said. "It's a statement for the player, just in the regard that he is willing to give back a year of his money." Kemp, 33, signed a seven-year, $107 million contract in 1997 before he was traded from Seattle to the Cleveland Cavaliers, then traded to the Blazers before the 2000-01 season. He never regained his All-Star level of play in Portland, averaging 6.3 points in two seasons. Kemp entered a drug rehabilitation center for cocaine use in April 2001, near the end of his first season as a Trail Blazer. He returned for the 2001-02 season but was suspended for five games in February for failing to comply with his aftercare program. Kemp appeared in six consecutive All-Star Games from 1993-1998, five with the Seattle SuperSonics and one with the Cavaliers
kemp will be a pretty handy player for a cheap deal, this guy can still perform, i remember he had a game last season 21 points 16 boards 4 blocks and 3 assists in 30 minutes. all he needs is playing time and motivations the wheight will drop, and he will be better for it. both parties are happy
Would the Lakers really be willing to deal with Kemp after the fiascoes with Dennis Rodman and Isaiah Rider?
It's not out of the question that the Lakers signs Kemp. Phil Jackson has confidence dealing with headcases, and he'll be a zen monk if that's what it takes to become the first 4-peat coach in NBA history(if those Celtics didn't win 4 straight rings).
Kemp has lost his legs. He cannot elevate and finish at all. Anytime he has the ball inside he has to double and triple pump and throw up something crazy and hope to get fouled. At least the Portland fans don't have to don't have to fool themselves into thinking that one of these seasons he is going to come back and be the Kemp of old. He is a sad player to watch play compared to what he once was. It will open up a few more minutes for Randolph..which is at least looking forward and not back.
I'll play devil's advocate. Shawn Kemp should be commended for giving up da moolah (ahem...Kelvin Cato). He realizes he is no longer the player he once was...and I can respect that. That being said, I still believe Kemp has the tools to be a factor on a team in this league. Put him on the diet from hell, and Reign Man reborn. Oh...and when was he a headcase? I recall him checking himself into a rehab clinic a year ago...but has he had any stuff that I don't know of? Please bring it to my attention...much appreciated.
Now that's a dynasty. Too bad MJ retired in the middle, or else he'd be the only real chance to challenge that record. Kemp murmuring to himself: "I got a big problem here, coke burns money at the rate of my newborn b*stard childs. I'll be piss poor when I hit 45. What to do? Oh yeah, why don't I tell the Blazers to pay me less but do it in over more than 10 yrs? I'll have fun and not worry on overspending and paying alimonies. Yeah that's the way to go hehe. "
I believe that he has had problems with drugs, weight, and illegitimate children, but correct me if I'm wrong guys.
The offer of a 25 million refund is to give the Blazers incentives to cut him, watch for Kemp riding Shaq's coattails to a ring.
I'd watch for some story that Kemp got caught some $hit that allowed the Blazers to void his contract. I bet they had some leverage to force him to agree with the waiving. And I'm very sceptical that the Lakers would want to pick him up. They already have a working formula, why threaten that by bringing such an epitome of idiocy and laziness on the team?
Kemp gave up 25 million dollars on his own will. That should raise an eyebrow. The Lakers will rob for a backup C like Kemp. Kemp can turn it around at the last shot for a ring and if he can't, just cut him. They've got nothing to lose. The Lakers are composed of mature players, not some teenagers that can be easily swayed. Isiah Rider did nothing to the Lakers.
Maybe he's not the headcase you guys first thought he was. Imagine Garnett selflessly giving up a good portion of his ridiculous contract for the good of his team. Not a good idea! He had just two years left on his contract. * * * Used to be, defenders were forced to play the drive guarding Kemp; he was very explosive (but not physical) and his success lay therein - he was one of the best in terms of going to the line. He also had the strength and ball-handling to have his way with defenders, who couldn't keep him from dunking on or going around them. When he was no longer foul-prone and developed a consistent shot even out to 12", he was a superstar. As of now he can't jump, as a previous poster mentioned. He gained weight to become a physical player like Malone, spending alot of time at center. Unfortunately, while he can still finish decently well and get to the line, zone defenses can take him out to the perimeter where he isn't effective. He also doesn't get good minutes behind Wallace, Davis and (if he were to play next season) Sabonis. He is still valuable, and I would take a chance on him. He'll turn just 33 next season.
Is it possible he'll just retire? He didn't want to play anymore so he came to a settlement with the Blazers? He's 'only' 33, but his already enormously wealthy, plus he has health issues, drug issues and family issues. It could be that he just wants to stop working.
There were only 8 teams in the NBA back then. Celtics had no competition as all the good players were on the Celtics.
