Shawn Kemp

The High-Flying Power Forward Who Changed the NBA

Shawn Kemp Standing: The 1990s Most Explosive Power Forward Shawn Kemp is one of the best power forwards in the history of the game and one of my all-time favorite players. “The Reign Man” was a beast with the SuperSonics, playing a pivotal role in one of the most feared duos in the association with point guard Gary Payton. He’s had his fair share of career highs and lows but regardless Shawn Kemp is best remembered by adoring fans as a living legend in the game of basketball.

Early Life and Introduction to Basketball

Early years Born in Elkhart, Indiana, on November 26, 1969. A good athlete, Kemp excelled at an early age in school, becoming one of the top high school basketball players in the country. Despite signing a letter of intent to play for the University of Kentucky, and being named this books (this year) Mr. Kentucky Basketball, he was academically ineligible throughout college, and declared for the 1989 NBA Draft, being an early entry that is highly unusual for a high school senior.

NBA Career: Rookie to “Reign Man”

Shawn Kemp was the 17th pick of the 1989 NBA Draft to the Seattle SuperSonics. But Kemp, who was just 19 at the time, gained almost instant notoriety for his above-the-rim acrobatics and relentless effort. By the ’90s, he had blossomed into one of the league’s best power forwards.

Career Highlights:

• 6× NBA All-Star (1993–1998)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team
• Had a career scoring average of 14.6 PPG and 8.4 RPG across 14 seasons
• Guided the SuperSonics to the 1996 N.B.A. finals

Their most successful season with Kemp came in 1995–96 when they posted a 64–18 record during the regular season. The squad advanced to the NBA Finals, losing to Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Yet Kemp’s athleticism, rebounding and scoring in the paint were central to Seattle’s success, and after the Finals, he was lauded for that performance.

Playing Style and Legacy

What set Shawn Kemp apart was that unique mix of power and speed. At 6-10 with a vertical leap of over 40 inches, Kemp could play above the rim and over defenders. His dunks were themselves legendary — the fierce, flamboyant stuff of highlight reels.

Another thing is that Kemp was a very good rebounder and defender, and he ran the floor very well for a big man. He was instrumental in introducing a more athletic and entertaining brand of NBA play, influencing future stars such as Blake Griffin and Zion Williamson.

Later Career and Challenges

After a contract dispute in 1997, Kemp was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who Kemp played well for, averaging 20.5 ppg. But weight problems and off-the-court problems started to impact his play. He went on to play for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Orlando Magic before retiring in 2003.

We had a bit of a falloff late, but the best years with Seattle are unforgettable to fans of 90s basketball.

Post-Retirement Life

Since retiring, Kemp has remain involved in the Seattle community and the game. He has dabbled in various business ventures, including opening Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis dispensary in Seattle. He also advises young athletes and is one of the most popular figures still in the Pacific Northwest.

In The End: The Legacy of Shawn Kemp

Shawn Kemp doesn’t have an NBA championship, but his legacy in the basketball world is unimpeachable. With his airborne acrobatics, fiery competitive nature and bruising brand of basketball, Kemp endures as one of the most explosive talents ever to play on an NBA floor. His memory is preserved in highlight videos, NBA history books and in the hearts of fans who saw the reign of the “Reign Man.”