Looking for a big man to fill out their roster, the Chicago Bulls will have a suprise visitor at the Berto Center this week for a tryout, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune is reporting, when ex-SuperSonic Shawn Kemp makes his case to make the roster.
Ten years and three months after facing Michael Jordan and Co. in their prime as a member of the SuperSonics during the 1996 NBA Finals, the six-time All-Star would seem to have little chance to snag the final spot.
Retired since playing 79 games with Orlando in the 2003-03 season, Kemp, 36, has a past that includes a stint in rehabilitation for cocaine abuse, two arrests for marijuana possession and weight problems.
The Bulls already have Malik Allen, who can step out and hit the midrange jumper. Kemp was known as a solid but never spectacular shooter during his 14-year NBA career.
But Kemp, whose association with coach Scott Skiles dates to their formative basketball years in Indiana in the late 1980s, has been on a mission to return to the NBA since 2005.
Claiming he now weighs 257 pounds, three pounds lighter than in his prime, Kemp was arrested for marijuana possession in July. He told Seattle reporters the drugs were old and he hadn't used drugs since 2004.
The court case is pending.
The Bulls also are expected to look at former Orlando center Andrew DeClercq.
Luke Schenscher, who averaged 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds in 20 games with the Bulls last season, is the leading candidate to fill the final roster spot.