‘Just not as physical’: Shawn Kemp warns fans how much the NBA has changed with SuperSonics’ return looming

The NBA Board of Governors approved a vote Wednesday for the league to formally explore potential expansion teams exclusively in Seattle and Las Vegas, marking the biggest step yet toward a possible return of the Seattle SuperSonics.

With Sonics fever at an all-time high throughout the state, former NBA All-Pro and Sonics legend Shawn Kemp joined “The John Curley Show” to discuss how the league, and the sport itself, has changed since he retired in 2003.

“We’re closer and closer to [their return]. Is this going to feel like somehow the hole in the heart of Seattle has been healed?” Curley asked Kemp. “Are you going to be part of that celebration?”

“Oh, absolutely, I’ll be part of the celebration. I think it’s good for the whole community,” Kemp said. “A lot of people look up to basketball players. You got a lot of players in the NBA who are from Seattle. It’s good to see the progress that the city has made to further its talent, also.”

If the vote passes, the league is targeting the 2028-29 season for the new teams, or returning when it comes to the SuperSonics, to begin play. If professional men’s basketball returns to Seattle, the Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly plans to cede SuperSonics-era history back to the new franchise. The SuperSonics operated from 1967 to 2008, winning six division titles, three conference titles, and one NBA Championship in 1979.

Kemp, alongside another Sonics legend, Gary Payton, made the NBA playoffs seven times while playing for Seattle, peaking with an NBA Finals appearance in 1996, where Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls defeated them in six games.

“Basketball has changed so much since you played, right?” Curley asked Kemp. “It’s changed a lot. When you watch it now, are you like, ‘Oh my god, somebody put a hand in the guy’s face?'”

“Yeah, a lot I do. I also think that the rules should be where they reward the defense a little bit more than what they’re doing right now,” Kemp said. “It seems like they’re rewarding the offensive end so much that it seems a little bit unfair. I think it’s best to see things get roughed up a little bit, especially later games. We want to see guys be able to play defense, use their hands a little bit more, and be a little more physical.”

In addition to multiple top-10 finishes for MVP, Kemp finished sixth for Defensive Player of the Year in the 1996-1997 season.

“It’s just not as physical, but I think you’ll see that those things change in the future,” Kemp added. “I think people miss seeing defense. They miss seeing things get a little ugly inside. So I think those things have to change in the future.”

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

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