It seems Shawn Kemp’s return to professional basketball wasn’t meant to be…for now at least.
The International Herald Tribune reports Montegranaro Premiata waived his one-year contract after Kemp returned to the United States to check on his Houston home after Hurricane Ike.
“I am very sorry for my inability to return to the club in a timely manner due to personal issues,” Kemp wrote in a letter posted on the team’s website Saturday. “I’m very sorry that these unforeseen circumstances have resulted in the club’s understandable decision.”
Kemp spent nine days in Italy training with the club and playing in three pre-season games. He didn’t return to Italy after attending to the crisis in Texas. Montegranaro signed Brandon Hunter to take his place.
Kemp said he’s had “plenty of offers” since 2003 to prove he can still play. Given how he looked last month, Kemp should have no trouble signing with another team, if he’s up for the challenge.
