Accept the End: why former Sonic Shawn Kemp should retire ... for good

October 01 08

Stories have a beginning, middle, and end. Shawn Kemp’s story began as a teenager in Seattle, hit the peak/middle when the Sonics pushed the Bulls to six games in the NBA Finals, and, for me, ended when he forced a trade to Cleveland.

He still posted numbers on bad Cavalier teams, but the ‘Reign Man’ was done. It got worse in Portland. The high-flying forward became a ghost, hiding behind his weight and personal problems. Eventually, the Blazers cut him 25 million dollars to disappear. After one-year in Orlando, he was officially gone by 2003. Game over.

Following a few drug arrests, we heard reports of a comeback. True enough, in July, he signed with Italian club Montegranaro Premiata and then got released before the season started. The reason is a mystery.

Kemp claims he left to check on his Houston home after Hurricane Ike, while the European side dismissed it as a business matter one week before the season started.

Something smells fishy.

So what now for Kemp? Well, if his comeback was about playing basketball, then head to the NBDL, go back to Europe, or find the local ‘Y’.

Love is love, right? If Kemp still loves basketball then lace on the kicks and find a game. It doesn’t matter if that run is stateside or abroad because money isn’t an issue.

But Kemp’s comeback is a waste if he’s trying to restore his name. His intentions may be good, but playing in Europe or even making the NBA as a reserve won’t change his past. It can’t.

Right or wrong, fair or not, we have strong memories. Too much damage was done and Kemp won’t undue anything by playing basketball. We’ve seen his on-court performance before. We remember his prime.

Kemp could, however, restore his name by caring for his kids, speaking out about his past, or mentoring young NBA players. This off-court maturity we haven’t seen before. And it would be powerful. Consider the progress former NFL quarterback and one-time jerk Ryan Leaf made by stepping away from the spotlight, changing his bad behaviour, and working quietly in football.

Perhaps, Kemp should realize moving on is often moving forward. And accepting the end isn’t a bad thing. After all, what comes next is another beginning.

What should Kemp do now? Retire or still try for a comeback? Get at us in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of bballchico.

20 Comments: Accept the End: why former Sonic Shawn Kemp should retire ... for (...)

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 10.1.2008

Hi Shawn Kemp Jr ... thanks for writing and commenting again. Valid points. I`m glad things are going better for him. And I know he was always involved in the Seattle community -even when things weren`t always going so great for him. I credit him for that. I just don`t know why he is coming back? ... What does he have to gain? Is he playing for love or, forgive me if this sounds harsh, to erase the past and restore his legacy-pride? He has much to offer through his life experiences, I`m glad you are gaining from his experiences, but why not work as a mentor with others? He is a likable, engaging personality. Either way. I do wish him luck. And I have seen you on youtube, when researching possible father-son pieces. You can certainly play; I wish you the best with your hoop dreams ... and your dad too, believe it or not! One final point: no I did not write this specifically because of your comments the other day. I have written on Kemp in the past and was struggling with the purpose behind his comeback. Your comments did spark some thought, though! Thanks for reading your thoughts are always welcome. .

Posted by
Shawn Kemp Jr
on 10.1.2008

Also did you write this article cause I talked about his comeback in the comment box the other day? .

Posted by
Shawn Kemp Jr
on 10.1.2008

My thing with the public is that they think they know the whole story. Behind closed doors he is doing some good things, it’s just not in the spotlight and look at me look at what I’m doing. He has corrected some of the mishaps in his life and I have learned a lot from his experiences. If people want to remember the troubled Shawn Kemp, than fine, but that doesn’t define who he is at home or even in the local community. All anybody has to do is be around him for a day and they would be amazed. I’m proud to call him dad. If you wanna see the next Shawn Kemp check me out on youtube. You’ll be writing about me in a few years believe that! .

Posted by
O.Sandor
on 10.1.2008

Hi Shawn Kemp JR AKA Make It Reign, Thanks for writing and commenting. I love Shawn Kemp. Him and Gary Payton helped foster my love of hoops because I live in Vancouver. That said, I`m not telling Kemp to retire. If he still loves basketball then play. Enjoy it. Do it for love. He owes us, the public, nothing. I wish him the best then. BUT if he is trying to make the NBA or contiuniung to play to erase that he hasn`t `always been great`( your words), then he should retire. Because playing won`t change his past. There is a difference there. It comes down to why he is playing Shawn JR. I said it in the article. He can best prove the haters wrong by showing us how he has changed and continuing to take care of you and giving back in the form of mentorship. That would be much more powerful and effective. He has a story, something others can gain from. Thanks for reading. Just my thoughts. Take it or leave it. Either way, I wish you both well! Thanks ... .

Posted by
Shawn Kemp Jr A.K.A" Make It Reign"
on 10.1.2008

My dad still has game whether people think so or not. He is considering his options and many people have supported him in continuing to play. How would you like somebody telling you it’s time to stop writing when you still have some ink left in the pen? Also he has taken care of us, he hasn’t always been great, but he does enough and that’s what counts. He has become a better man over the years. Two NBA teams have minor interest in him to come to camp and earn a spot. I have going on message boards for the past couple days seeing what people think about him playing and more people have encouraged it than discouraged it. They only let him go to sign a younger player, who is wack Steven Hunter could never be better than my dad. He was commited to playing, we think it was a poly to bring him on then not really intending to keep on for long. He’ll prove the haters wrong .

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	About Oly Sandor
Daily take on NBA Oly Sandor is an NBA analyst and sports journalist based out of Vancouver, Canada.After years of the free-lance game, Oly Sandor is bringing his unique brand of NBA analysis exclusively to (...) More

Accept the End: why former Sonic Shawn Kemp should retire ... for good

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