History Black - Day 28: Shawn Kemp

Written by wendell maxey | 01 March 2010

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From the first day I rolled out this “History Black” series, I knew Shawn Kemp would have a place in it.

I just didn’t know it was going to be last entry.

Yet 28 days later, here Kemp stands; complete with his raw 6’10 talent to grab Gary Payton’s halfcourt alleyoop passes as the “Reign Man” and All-Star constant, only to leave us wondering what happened to “that” Shawn Kemp during his days in Portland and Orlando.

At times, it’s hard to fathom how it got to that point. I’m not so sure Kemp even knows.

Knowing Shawn’s stumbles though, the guy still soared in this league in Seattle including six-straight seasons where he averaged a double-double. Kemp’s best season with the Sonics came in 1995-96 when he averaged 19.6 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.

Seattle won 64 games that season and ended up meeting Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals. The series went six but the Sonics were overmatched.

The wheels fell off soon after. With a publicized contract dispute, Kemp was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers after the ’96-’97 season as part of a three-team deal, which included the Milwaukee Bucks forward Vin Baker to the Sonics, and Terrell Brandon and Tyrone Hill from the Cavaliers to the Bucks.

I’m still not sure who got the better end of that deal.

But for memories sake, the Kemp of old is being honored here today to close out the series.

What a way to go out.

The History Black Series - Honoring Black History Month:

February 1: Muhammed Ali

February 2: Gary Payton

February 3: Bo Jackson

February 4: Dr. J

February 5: The Junkyard Dog

February 6: John Starks

February 7: Barry Sanders

February 8: Spud Webb