He also said, in September, that his contacts stated that Bob Sura would likely be out for more than half the season. Sura was activated form the IL on the 15th game of the season. No offense, NBAHOU713, but your sources seem pretty unreliable.
Kemp, according to a long recent article, has committed himself to becoming a good player again for family pride reasons. It read like he was really punishing himself getting in shape, and looked good. I think it is a good idea to have him come by, work out and plays against some Rocket competition. If he is lousy, goodby. If he is fit and ready to play, have him work out with the team, use the trainers and doctors the Rockets have available, see what he can do. This has no risk. He might be the second coming of the Vin Baker we had last year, or he might be the second coming of Deke last year.
I have just confirmed that Kemp has agreed to go one on one Vs. Stanley Roberts for a Roster Spot !!!
The best Kemp could hope for is to be like Tractor "Fats" Traylor, and it would probably take 1/2 a season to get there. Spoon fills that role on our team with Baker as a his backup.
If you can't beat em, HIRE EM! If he's dedicated like he says he is, I'd do it. We can't have too many PF's!
I know this has been discussed a lot in another thread, but I am all for the Rockets checking out Shawn Kemp. The guy was a beast, nine years ago I know, but it's not like the Rockets would be cutting anybody worth a hoot if they were to add him. He sounds like he's turned over a new leaf, for the moment.
Personally, IF Kemp is down to 255 - 260 and is really motivated to go out of the league like he came in, YES, put me in the Bring Kemp Back Camp. He would be better than Lonnie Baxter. Of course, I'm still hoping JVG has been working Vin Baker hard this summer and that Baker comes back to a high playing level of which he is still capable.
The Rockets are "looking at" Shawn Kemp. Translation? Sure, I'll take a crack at it: Shawn Kemp's agent: Hey, Shawn's back in shape and working out. He wants to get back into basketball and he's from around here. You guys interested in signing my boy? Rockets: Uh ... we'll look into it.
Sounds like Sean is out of money to me. Like a retired prize fighter coming back swearing it is for the right reasons only to get knocked out for a paycheck. Jones/Tarver III is coming up soon if anyone is intersted in seeing a payday knockout.
People change. Sometimes they grow up. Sometimes the light finally clicks on. John Lucas is a great example. IF Kemp can help us, why not give him the chance?
