Kemp to the Bulls?

by mookie on Sep 18, 2006 9:44 AM CDT

[From the Diaries. There's not a lot of Bulls news these days, but this seems like good comment fodder. (More on this story from the Tribune). -Mike]

Wouldn't it be great to see the once high-flying Reignman with the Bulls?

I've written a quick article on his possible return at http://nba-blazers.blogspot.com/2006/09/reignman-can-he-do-it-this-time.html

Of course, being from Australia myself, I'd like to see our boy Luke Schenscher retain the final roster spot. What is a Bulls team without a big Aussie Lu(c)ke..?

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Gah!

If this is going to be the major NBA news of the day, I'm shutting my laptop off now. Although I commend the above Portland blogger for not making the same old jokes at Kemp's expense.

Kemp is a bum, and the Bulls have only been signing "character guys," despite having a coach who has received his own second chance. If Toni Kukoc didn't get the nod for the final roster spot, an over the hill athlete (I don't think Kemp ever really played basketball) isn't going to be sniffing the end of the bench.

Will the Ginobili/Nocioni era ever be over?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Sep 18, 2006 10:04 AM CDT reply actions

Kemper

While he is likely way too old at this point, if he tries out and does well, I see no problem with the Bulls picking Kemp up. He's never been a bad character guy on the court, and he has to know this is his last shot. I stand by the mantra: In Pax we trust. If Pax deems him a quality sign, then it'll work. Even when he got fat after the lockout, he still averaged 20 and 9 and he can hit free throws. But we'll see.

And if you think he never really played basketball, you've obviously not seen this yet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlAuCLFqjmY

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on Sep 18, 2006 10:18 AM CDT reply actions

I misspoke

I'm not some hardliner who thinks Larry Bird was g-d and free throws should be shot underhanded, and Kemp did play basketball (he had a uniform and everything!), but his skill set was pretty limited, despite being highlight material. He was valuable in his prime, but that was a long time ago, obviously.

The odds of Kemp being available to practice all season or fill in in the case of an injury are pretty slim. The final roster spot is more of an insurance plan than anything else, and Kemp is hardly a dependable choice for that role.

Will the Ginobili/Nocioni era ever be over?

by Paxson Jackson @ Blog a Bull on Sep 18, 2006 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions

Yah, I know

Hey PaxJax, I knew what you meant - I just wanted to work that youtube clip in. Clearly he's not the same player depicted there anymore. But it's pretty amazing stuff...

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on Sep 18, 2006 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Well....

If he has worked his ''butt off'' then I guess hes worth a look. It's between Schenscher and Kemp from what I read. But the big deal with him would be if he can stay clean. Seems like a long shot for him making a team lilke the Bulls. Doesn't seem like a Paxson type.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Sep 18, 2006 10:40 AM CDT reply actions

I like

Luke and I really want to see him back with the Bulls this season.

Go Hawkeyes.....Beat the Illini!!!

by sue369 on Sep 18, 2006 11:02 AM CDT reply actions

A gamble worth taking

I don't think for a second anyone should assume that Kemp will be re-creating any of the high-flying magic of yesteryear -- regardless of whether he is back to his prime playing weight or not. Age and years of substance abuse will degenerate the muscle-tone of the best of us. What Kemp would bring to a squad (if he is as serious as he claims) is a desire to prove something, veteran experience (including NBA Finals) and a big body.

I'm thinking a McDyess-esque backup option is not out of the question. And don't forget that Kemp did have a decent jumpshot in his latter years to complement his pre-existing athleticism.

As a final guy on the roster, he COULD provide more than most 12th men available out there (note I said "could" not "will").

There's no doubt that his time with Portland and Cleveland did his image no justice and it would be nice to see a throwback out there on the court -- any link to the old MJ times of the NBA is a good one in my humble opinion.

by mookie on Sep 18, 2006 11:11 AM CDT reply actions

I agree with one caveat

they pay him the NBA minimum. He's an insurance guy at the end of the bench who can give maybe 5-10 minutes a game. But if the Bulls get any production out of him, it'll be a bonus. Really I think the Bulls may keep that last roster spot open "just in case," unless there is some new rule stating all 15 spots must be occupied.

I love Grant Park in June!! Been there six times!!!

by james@lifeinthecell on Sep 18, 2006 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Kemp

The guy hasn't played in three years. I wonder if he has anything left. Besides, he doesn't seem like the kind of guy Pax would bring in. According to Wikipedia, he was arrested for drug possession as recently as July. Unless he's the Kemp of 10 years ago, I don't see the Bulls taking a chance on him.

by Mike Aparicio on Sep 18, 2006 2:11 PM CDT reply actions

Also from Wikipedia

"Despite his most recent legal setback in July 2006, Kemp remains committed to his NBA comeback. Facing the media just days after his arrest, Kemp revealed his weight is down to 257 pounds, its lowest since 1998."

Interesting.

by Mike Aparicio on Sep 18, 2006 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Maybe we should bring him on

to help a certain lard ass lose some weight.

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Sep 18, 2006 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Sweets?

Go Hawkeyes.....Beat the Illini!!!

by sue369 on Sep 18, 2006 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Is there any other

lard ass on the team?

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Sep 18, 2006 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Nope.

I'm really interested to see what kind of shape he shows up in.

Go Hawkeyes.....Beat the Illini!!!

by sue369 on Sep 19, 2006 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Same here

Although I'm more interested as to how much muscle Deng put on.

I doubt lard ass will be on the team after this season, so I guess the only real benefit to him getting in shape and performing better would be to trade come February..........along with Noc :)

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus @ Blog a Bull on Sep 19, 2006 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions