Shawn Kemp

Shawn Kemp, also known as the Reign Man, is a former professional basketball player and self-proclaimed Dunk King. He is best known for his explosive dunks, colorful sneakers, and not so explosive free throws.

Born in 1969 in Elkhart, Indiana, Kemp was blessed with amazing athleticism from a young age. Legend has it that he was dunking before he could even tie his own shoes. And with those big ole shoes, that was quite the accomplishment.

Kemp entered the NBA in 1989 as a member of the Seattle SuperSonics, and the league was never the same again. He quickly became known for his stylish dunks, ferocious blocks, and, well, not much else. His defense and passing were often overlooked because, let’s be honest, who wants to watch someone pass when they can watch them fly through the air like a beautiful bald eagle?

But despite his incredible hops, Kemp had a few weaknesses. For one, he was not the best free throw shooter. In fact, he once famously missed five free throws in one game, prompting one fan to yell, “Hey Shawn, they’re called free throws for a reason!”

Kemp also struggled with his weight throughout his career. He was known to enjoy a good cheeseburger or 12, and was once listed at 290 pounds. And while this didn’t seem to impact his basketball skills too much, it did lead to some unflattering nicknames, including “Tractor” and “Donut.”

But despite his flaws, Kemp was a fan favorite and a true entertainer. He played with an infectious energy that made even the most mundane plays exciting. And his dunks? Well, they were simply legendary. He was the original king of the rim.

After retiring from basketball in 2003, Kemp went on to open a barbeque restaurant in Seattle. Because if there’s one thing Kemp loved as much as basketball, it was meat. And while his restaurant may not have been as successful as his dunking career, it’s safe to say that Shawn Kemp will always be remembered for his high-flying antics and his love of all things fried.