Shawn Kemp

The Reign Man who soared from high school to the NBA Finals.

Shawn Travis Kemp Sr. (born November 26, 1969) is an American former professional basketball player who played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Orlando Magic in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Nicknamed "Reign Man", he was a six-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Second Team member. Kemp is widely regarded as one of the best slam dunkers of all time and made the 1996 NBA Finals with the SuperSonics.

Quick Facts

Draft year: 1989

Lore & Background

Kemp was a member of the United States national team at the 1994 FIBA World Championship where he won gold and was named to the All-Tournament team. He was part of a famous pick and roll duo with Hall of Fame teammate Gary Payton.

Reader's Guide

Kemp attended Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana. He was selected to the 1988 McDonald's High School All-American team. He was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in the first round of the 1989 NBA draft. In the 1996 NBA Finals, Kemp posted per game averages of 23.3 points on 55% shooting from the field, 10.0 rebounds and two blocks. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1997, then to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2000, and signed with the Orlando Magic as a free agent in 2002.

Did You Know?

His nickname 'Reign Man' was coined by SuperSonics announcer Kevin Calabro after seeing a poster.
Kemp's 1992 playoff dunk over Alton Lister became known as 'The Lister Blister'.
He scored a team-high 18 points for the West in the 1988 McDonald's All-American Game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Shawn Kemp play for the Thunder?

No, Kemp retired and moved on from Seattle years before the SuperSonics relocated to become the Thunder in 2008. His career contributions belong specifically to the Seattle era of the organization.

Who were his main teammates?

He formed a legendary partnership alongside Gary Payton and played with Detlef Schrempf during the team's most competitive years in Seattle. This trio helped establish the franchise as a championship contender in the 1990s.