Shawn Travis Kemp Sr. (born November 26, 1969) is an American former professional basketball player who starred in the NBA with the Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic.
Known as the “Reign Man,” he was a six-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Second Team selection. Kemp represented the United States at the 1994 FIBA World Championship, where he won a gold medal and earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team for his outstanding performance.
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Shawn Kemp Net Worth
Shawn Kemp has a net worth of $5 million and is the father of seven children, including Shawn Jr., who played basketball at the University of Washington. In 2003, Kemp bought a Maple Valley mansion for $2.4 million, later listing it for $3.7 million. He also sold a Seattle home in 2021 for $2.18 million.
Kemp previously owned Oskar’s Kitchen in Seattle and now co-owns Amber’s Kitchen. In 2020, he launched Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis dispensary. Over his NBA career, Kemp earned over $90 million in salaries, plus millions in endorsements.
Early Life
Shawn Kemp attended Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana, where he became the county’s all-time leading scorer and led his team to the state championship finals. Despite his success, he was overlooked for Indiana Mr. Basketball, which went to Woody Austin, though Kemp was named Gatorade State Player of the Year.
He signed with the University of Kentucky but left after a controversy involving stolen jewelry. Kemp then briefly attended Trinity Valley Community College before declaring for the 1989 NBA Draft at age 19, bypassing college basketball entirely.
Career
In his senior year, Shawn Kemp signed with the University of Kentucky but left after being accused of pawning stolen jewelry. He briefly attended Trinity Valley Community College before declaring for the 1989 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Seattle SuperSonics.
Initially struggling, Kemp flourished under teammate Xavier McDaniel, with a highlight 1992 playoff dunk on Alton Lister. Kemp and Gary Payton led the Sonics to the 1996 NBA Finals, losing to the Chicago Bulls. Later, Kemp was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he achieved a career-high scoring season despite weight issues.
Personal life
Shawn Kemp has at least seven children with six women, including sons Shawn Kemp Jr., who played basketball at the University of Washington, and Jamon Kemp, who played at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Kemp appeared on the 2009 premiere of Pros vs. Joes, and a photo of him dunking over Hakeem Olajuwon is featured on the cover of NBA Jam Extreme. He once owned Oskar’s Kitchen in Seattle and now co-owns Amber’s Kitchen. In 2020, Kemp opened Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis dispensary, partnering with former teammate Gary Payton.
What happened to Shawn Kemp?
Kemp has faced legal troubles post-retirement. In May 2023, he pleaded not guilty to a first-degree assault charge. Despite these issues, he remains a notable figure in the NBA community.
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Conclusion
Shawn Kemp’s life has been a mix of professional triumphs and personal trials. His legacy in the NBA is undeniably significant, with a career that has both inspired basketball fans and served as a cautionary tale.
FAQ about Shawn Kemp
- What were Shawn Kemp’s career averages? Kemp’s career averages in points and rebounds were impressive, particularly during his prime years with the Seattle SuperSonics.
- Has Shawn Kemp been inducted into the Hall of Fame? As of my last update, Kemp has not yet been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- What is Shawn Kemp’s most memorable basketball moment? One of Kemp’s most iconic moments was his dunk over Alton Lister during the 1992 playoffs, which is often replayed in NBA highlight reels.
- Did Shawn Kemp win any NBA championships? Kemp never won an NBA championship, despite coming close with the SuperSonics in the 1995-96 season.
- What is Shawn Kemp doing now? Kemp has been involved in various business ventures and occasionally makes appearances at NBA events. However, his recent legal issues have also brought him into the spotlight.
