Shawn

Kemp

The Nuggets are considering offering him a contract at the veteran’s minimum. If signed, Kemp could help back up Nene and Marcus Camby.

Kemp failed to impress in a workout earlier this week. The Nuggets will look elsewhere for help at power forward.

The six-time All-Star hasn’t played since the 2002-03 season with Orlando in large part because of weight problems and off-court issues, but after losing about 70 pounds he hopes to return. The 14-year veteran worked out at the Nuggets’ free-agent camp last weekend.

He’s battled weight, alcohol and drugs over the past 10 years and hasn’t played in the NBA since 2003, but it sounds like he may actually get a shot from a team needing a big man this year.

"[I] am confident that with a little effort and creativity we can find a solution that meets our needs and the City’s/State’s desire to get a team back to Seattle without a large public outlay,” wrote Hansen. The arena is one part of the equation (Key Arena isn’t a suitable venue), and the other is part is how the city would acquire a team -- they’ve been watching developments in Sacramento, but the bottom line is that Seattle has no clear path to hosting an NBA team.

The Magic are hoping to get Kemp back soon. ``We’re getting conflicting reports about whether he will have to take another test on Friday,’' coach Doc Rivers said today. ``The bottom line is, we don’t know. We don’t know what’s going on. They just told us it takes longer than you think to process all of the stuff. We just have to be patient. At the end of the day, if he’s proven innocent then it was worth it.’'

Forlorn Sonics fans suddenly have reason for optimism -- the new arena could host both an NBA and NHL team once it’s completed, Hansen announced the deal on his website SonicsArena.com, and the plan also calls for renovations of the Sonics’ former home, KeyArena. As the Mayor of Seattle said on Monday, “We haven’t gotten a team yet, but Sonics fans have a reason to smile today.”

Andrew DeClecq again started in his place. Kemp is expected to play on Sunday.

Kemp’s indefinite suspension lasted just three days. He should get his starting job back, but he’s not someone with fantasy value.

With Nene out for the season and Kenyon Martin dealing with continued knee pain, the Nuggets definitely should bolster their frontcourt. Kemp has lost 55 pounds. “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,” general manager Kiki Vandeweghe. The Raptors have also expressed interest.