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Monday, January 22, 2001
Kemp still adjusting as Blazers' role player



CLEVELAND -- Shawn Kemp strolled into Gund Arena smiling and laughing with his Portland teammates. He was back in Cleveland, and for the first time in two years, Kemp didn't hear any boos, fat jokes or trade rumors.

Shawn Kemp
Kemp

That was before the game. The heckling came later as Kemp and the Trail Blazers had their worst game of the season, shooting just 28 percent in an 84-58 loss to the Cavaliers.

Kemp, who left Cleveland in August overweight and unwanted, is glad he no longer is with the Cavaliers.

"The one good thing about the situation is that every day I don't have to hear all the talk about Shawn Kemp," he said. "That's a relief."

Kemp returned to Cleveland on Monday for the first time since being traded during the offseason to the Trail Blazers as part of a three-way deal that sent Brian Grant to Miami.

Kemp's no longer a star, but a bit player for the powerful Trail Blazers, and that's OK by him.

"Everyone on this team has sacrificed," he said. "We're all working toward a championship. People are always going to be negative when they mention my name, but I can accept that and that's what makes it easier for me to go on."

Kemp's return did go as he had hoped. He scored just four points in 20 minutes and was booed each time he touched the ball.

"It's not the first time I've been booed," he said. "It's not like it's my first or second year."

Things didn't work out in Cleveland for Kemp, traded to the Cavs in 1997 and signed to a seven-year, $98 million contract. He made the All-Star team and led them to the playoffs in his first season but it was downhill from there.

In '98, his image was tarnished when it was revealed he had fathered seven children by six women. The next year, he showed up after the six-month lockout weighing more than 300 pounds. Last season, he arrived late for practices, games and team flights and quarreled with Cavs coach Randy Wittman.

He became a target for fan abuse, and Cleveland couldn't wait to get rid of him.

"Last year I knew there was going to be a change," Kemp said. "I knew something was going to happen. Anytime you're playing with a team that's losing, the main guy is going to take a lot of the heat.

"I accepted the responsibility for being the head guy, and we didn't win so I took the blame. I took a lot of hits for a long time around here. But I'm still standing. I knew it was time to move on."

No one's pointing fingers at Kemp in Portland, even though he is averaging only 6.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per game. He played only six minutes Saturday in a loss to Sacramento.

After pledging to be in shape at the start of the season before the Cavs dealt him, Kemp showed up in Portland overweight again.

He has slimmed down since the season started, but Kemp's still struggling in his adjustment as role player after being the Cavs' go-to guy.

"This is he best shape I've been in 2½ years playing wise," he said. "It's been an adjustment coming off the bench and getting used to the minutes. But before the season is over, I'll have my day.

"Once we get in the playoffs, I'll have my fun. Guys on this team know that, this organization knows that."

Blazers coach Mike Dunleavy is pleased with Kemp's attitude and progress.

"He's trying to fit in and he's working hard at it," said Dunleavy, who was ejected during Monday's loss. "He's working on getting in better shape, but it's still a situation where we haven't quite found the niche that we were looking for."

Kemp doesn't have to prove anything to Cavs fans upon his return. He maintains he did all he could to help Cleveland win, and he's not concerned if the boos drown out the cheers.

"It will be a good night for us team-wise," he said. "When I walk out of this building tonight, I'll be smiling."

He wasn't and neither were the Blazers.
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Host Cavs devour Blazers; fans tear into Kemp's return




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