History of Shawn Kemp in Timeline

Shawn Kemp, nicknamed "Reign Man," was a prominent American basketball player in the NBA. He played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic. Known for his powerful and acrobatic playing style, Kemp was a six-time NBA All-Star and earned three All-NBA Second Team selections. His high-flying dunks and exciting performances made him a fan favorite throughout his career.

November 26, 1969: Birth of Shawn Kemp

Shawn Kemp was born on November 26, 1969.

1979: SuperSonics' First Finals Appearance Since 1979

The 1995-96 season marked the SuperSonics' first NBA Finals appearance since 1979.

November 1988: Transfer from University of Kentucky

In November 1988, Shawn Kemp left the University of Kentucky basketball team after accusations of pawning stolen gold chains.

1988: High School Career and McDonald's All-American

In 1988, Shawn Kemp finished his high school career at Concord High School as Elkhart County's all-time leading scorer. He was selected to the McDonald's All-American team, scoring 18 points for the West team.

1989: Declares for NBA Draft

In 1989, after a semester at Trinity Valley Community College, Shawn Kemp declared for the NBA draft.

1989: Drafted by Seattle SuperSonics

Shawn Kemp was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the first round of the 1989 NBA draft.

1992: "The Lister Blister" Dunk

During a 1992 playoff game against the Golden State Warriors, Shawn Kemp performed a memorable dunk over Alton Lister, known as "The Lister Blister".

1994: FIBA World Championship Gold Medal

In 1994, Kemp won a gold medal with the US national team at the FIBA World Championship, earning a spot on the All-Tournament team.

1994: MTV Rock N' Jock Appearance

In 1994, Shawn Kemp participated in the MTV Rock N' Jock celebrity basketball game.

1994: Contract Extension with SuperSonics

In 1994, Shawn Kemp signed a contract extension with the Seattle SuperSonics.

1994: Gold Medal at FIBA World Championship

In 1994, Shawn Kemp was part of the United States national team that won the gold medal at the FIBA World Championship. He was also named to the All-Tournament team.

1995: NBA Finals Appearance

During the 1995-96 season, Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton led the SuperSonics to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Chicago Bulls.

1996: Playoff Run with SuperSonics

In 1996, despite a contract holdout, Shawn Kemp helped lead the SuperSonics to a successful season and playoff run.

October 1997: Contract Dispute and Trade to Cavaliers

In October 1997, after a contract dispute and holdout, Shawn Kemp was traded from the SuperSonics to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a three-team trade involving the Milwaukee Bucks.

1997: Career-High Scoring Season with Cavaliers

During the 1997-98 season, Shawn Kemp achieved a career-high in points per game while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

1998: Weight Issues in Training Camp

During the 1998-99 season's training camp, Shawn Kemp reportedly arrived overweight.

1999: Trade to Portland Trail Blazers

After the 1999–2000 season, Shawn Kemp was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat.

1999: Weight Issues in Training Camp

During the lockout-shortened 1998–1999 NBA season, Shawn Kemp reportedly showed up to training camp overweight.

2000: Trade to Portland Trail Blazers

Following the 1999-2000 NBA season, Shawn Kemp was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers.

2002: Waived by Trail Blazers

Before the start of the 2002-03 NBA season, Shawn Kemp was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers.

2002: Signed by Orlando Magic

Shawn Kemp was signed by the Orlando Magic as a free agent for the 2002-03 NBA season. He played his 1000th game that season.

2003: Purchase of Seattle Mansion

In 2003, the year he retired from the NBA, Kemp purchased a mansion in Seattle for $2.4 million.

April 4, 2005: Drug Arrest in Shoreline, Washington

On April 4, 2005, Kemp was arrested in Shoreline, Washington for drug possession, involving cocaine, marijuana, and a firearm. He later pleaded guilty.

2005: Potential Comeback with Mavericks

In April 2005, during the 2005-06 NBA season, there was a possibility of Shawn Kemp returning to the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks, but it did not materialize.

June 2006: Kemp's Comeback Attempt

In June 2006, three months after a drug arrest, Kemp, having slimmed down considerably, expressed his determination to return to the NBA, potentially with the Denver Nuggets. However, the Nuggets ultimately signed Reggie Evans instead.

July 21, 2006: Marijuana Possession Arrest in Houston

On July 21, 2006, Kemp was arrested again for misdemeanor marijuana possession in Houston, Texas.

September 2006: Missed Workout with Bulls

In September 2006, Kemp drew interest from the Chicago Bulls but failed to attend his scheduled workout, further hindering his comeback attempts.

November 5, 2006: SuperSonics 40th Anniversary Team

On November 5, 2006, Kemp was honored as a member of the SuperSonics' 40th-anniversary team, receiving a standing ovation. He mentioned playing in Rome and still considering an NBA return, but ultimately didn't join an NBA team that season.

August 18, 2008: Brief Stint with Premiata Montegranaro

On August 18, 2008, Kemp signed with Premiata Montegranaro in Italy. However, after playing in preseason games, he returned to Houston to assess hurricane damage and subsequently parted ways with the team.

2008: Listing of Seattle Mansion

In 2008, Kemp listed his Seattle mansion for $3.7 million.

2009: Media Appearances

In 2009, Kemp appeared on "Pros vs. Joes" and was featured on the cover of "NBA Jam Extreme."

2015: Closure of Oskar's Kitchen

Kemp's sports bar, Oskar's Kitchen, in Seattle closed in 2015. He currently co-owns Amber's Kitchen and has a controlling interest in other Seattle venues.

October 2020: Opening of Cannabis Dispensary

In October 2020, Kemp opened a cannabis dispensary in Seattle named "Shawn Kemp's Cannabis," with former teammate Gary Payton attending the grand opening.

March 8, 2023: Arrest for Alleged Drive-By Shooting

On March 8, 2023, Kemp was arrested in Tacoma, Washington, in connection with a drive-by shooting. He was later charged with first-degree assault and pleaded not guilty. The case is ongoing.