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A weighty issue Out-of-shape Kemp still a big problem for Cleveland
Posted: Wednesday December 01, 1999 07:05 PM
Shawn Kemp's weight was an issue the day he walked into Cleveland's training camp in October. Last week, it was still an issue. As the 76ers were en route to manhandling the Cavs -- without the services of Allen Iverson or Matt Geiger -- Cavs coach Randy Wittman was visibly irritated with Kemp, who was a complete non-factor in the game. The Cavs have openly stated they'd prefer Kemp to be at 255-260 pounds, but I was told by one Cleveland official that Kemp is up to 285. Publicly, Wittman is trying to put the best face on things. "It's not really an issue with us," Wittman said. "He's so talented and he plays so hard, he hasn't allowed it to become too much of an issue. Besides, it's early." Again, that was before their horrible performance against the Sixers.
Carlesimo faces another challengeNow that P.J. Carlesimo has survived Latrell Sprewell's visit to the Bay Area, the focus is on Carlesimo's survival as coach of the Warriors. Both team and league sources tell me that Warriors management would prefer that GM Garry St. Jean take over the job, but St. Jean is reluctant to do so -- no doubt because Carlesimo played a huge part in bringing him to Golden State. Another factor is that center Erick Dampier and power forward Jason Caffey are both out with injuries, and the Warriors would like to see how Carlesimo does once those two return to the lineup.
Shaq's defensive performance getting rave reviewsOnce again, the Lakers are becoming the talk of the NBA. But it isn't about Kobe Bryant's imminent return or trade speculation involving Glen Rice. Believe it or not, it's Shaq's defense that's garnering rave reviews these days. The Big Fella, implored by coach Phil Jackson to become more of a defensive presence, has done just that. After averaging just 1.67 blocks last season, Shaq has nearly tripled that number in his first 14 games this year, registering 3.36 blocks an outing. It's no surprise then that the Lakers currently possess the league's sixth-ranked defense, holding opponents to 90.6 points per game and 41.4 percent field-goal shooting. "That team's already special," Blazers guard Steve Smith said recently. "Shaq keeps this up, we may have some trouble." I'm sure Smith isn't the only one who feels that way. Stephen A. Smith covers the NBA for the Philadelphia Inquirer and is a regular contributor to CNN/SI.
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