Auburn Hills, Mich. - 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."
