denverpost:Former NBA star Shawn Kemp's agent plans on calling a handful of teams - including the Nuggets - to gauge their interest.
Kemp's agent, Tony Dutt, said he believes Denver could be a good fit because his client had his best years under Nuggets coach George Karl in Seattle. With Nene out for the season with a right knee injury and Kenyon Martin suffering from tendinitis in his right knee, another frontcourt player could aid Denver. But to add a free agent, the Nuggets would have to waive a player.
"Shawn told me he has had no problems with Karl and he could play there," Dutt said.
Kemp played for the SuperSonics from 1989-97. The five-time all-star also played for Cleveland, Portland and Orlando before ending his career in 2003. He has a history of weight issues and off-the-court problems. The Nuggets worked him out two years ago, but Kemp was grossly overweight and didn't have a solid outing. Dutt says Kemp now weighs about 270 pounds.
"That was a real wake-up call that if you're going to try to return, really do it right," Dutt said of the workout with the Nuggets.
Karl said he is in favor of taking a look at Kemp.
"I like Shawn," Karl said. "He and Gary (Payton) made my career. Without them, I'd probably be coaching a high school basketball team somewhere."
Said Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe: "I wouldn't discount anyone. There is that connection (with Karl). If anyone can bring it out of him, it's George. But it's nothing we've pursued."
With Nene down and possibly might not be staying with the Nugg, Kemp has a good shot at filling that role. I dunno how much in shape he's gotten but they could certainly use a big man to keep Camby & Martin from playing to many mins.
