Shawn Kemp

Shawn T. Kemp (born November 26, 1969, in Elkhart, Indiana) was a professional basketball player in the United States' National Basketball Association.

Related Topics:
November 26 - 1969 - Elkhart, Indiana - Basketball - United States - National Basketball Association

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Kemp attended Concord High School in Elkhart. After graduation, Kemp signed a national letter-of-intent to play basketball at the University of Kentucky; however, he was kicked off the team before the season started for allegedly pawning a teammate's jewelry. He transferred mid-season to Trinity Valley Community College in Texas, but was too late to suit up. After a semester at TVCC, 19-year-old Shawn Kemp declared himself eligible for the 1989 NBA Draft without any collegiate experience.

Related Topics:
Concord High School - University of Kentucky - Trinity Valley Community College - Texas - 1989 NBA Draft

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The Seattle SuperSonics drafted Kemp in the first round of the 1989 NBA Draft and he quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Kemp was one of the NBA's premiere high flyers with outstanding leaping abilities. Half court lob passes from Gary Payton to Shawn Kemp became a regular sight to see. Kemp helped the Sonics reach the 1996 NBA Finals where they faced Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls proved to be too much for the Sonics and elminated the Sonics from the Finals in six games. Tension between Kemp and the Sonics management eventually led to a three team trade that sent Kemp to the Cleveland Cavaliers following the 1996-1997 seasons. After two consistent seasons with the Cavaliers, Kemp's play began to decline significantly. The last few years of Kemp's professional basketball career was riddled with problems stemming from his weight, cocaine and alcohol abuse. Kemp is also the father of several illegitimate children conceived during the NBA career. It was confirmed that he fathered at least seven children with at least seven different women all out of wedlock. He last played for the Orlando Magic but failed to contribute consistently.

Related Topics:
Seattle SuperSonics - NBA Draft - Gary Payton - Cleveland Cavaliers - Cocaine - Alcohol abuse - Orlando Magic

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On April 4th, 2005 Shawn Kemp was arrested in Shoreline, Washington for an investigation of drug possession. Kemp along with another man were found with cocaine, about 60 grams of marijuana and a semiautomatic pistol, according to the King County Sheriff's Office. On April 29, 2005 Kemp was formally charged with drug possession and pleaded guilty.http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002230356_webkemparrested04.html

Related Topics:
April 4th - 2005 - Shoreline, Washington - Marijuana - King County - April 29

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Kemp is currently working on a comeback to the NBA.http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002398938_kemp24.html

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