Nets May Have What It Takes To Get Kemp

Shawn Kemp didn’t have much to say when the Seattle SuperSonics lost to the Houston Rockets in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals. It was a classic series that came down to the last shot in the last game, but as far as Kemp was concerned, it meant the end of last season’s Western Conference champions.

“There’s going to be a lot of changes,” Kemp said. “We’ll wait for the future on that. There’s no need to go into it now.”

And with that Kemp took off for the summer with what many believe will be his last words as a member of the Sonics.

Most likely destination? New Jersey.

The Nets have three high-quality players who want to leave - Jayson Williams, Chris Gatling and Jim Jackson - and Kemp could find himself in a package for some combination of the three.

And don’t forget the Bulls. Expect them to dangle Scottie Pippen in front of the Nets for Williams and Jackson, though Pippen might kill any deal by saying he’ll exercise his rights as a free agent after next season if he’s traded.

Hanzlik may be Nuggets’ man

When Bill Hanzlik returns from a Memorial Day weekend vacation, odds are he’ll have to begin packing immediately for a move to Denver.

Hanzlik is expected to become the 14th coach of the Denver Nuggets, perhaps as soon as early next week.

Hanzlik and Nuggets vice president Allan Bristow exchanged contract figures again on Friday and are close to agreeing to terms.

Albert draws a hug, pats on back

NBC broadcaster Marv Albert, braving a few heckles and plenty of media attention, shelved his indictment on sex charges to broadcast the NBA playoff game between Chicago and Miami on Saturday.

“I’m just focusing on the game. I hate to bring all this into it, you know, that’s the worse part of it.” Albert said after his pre-game show for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Miami Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson gave Albert a hug. The broadcaster avoided a horde of reporters by going to an undisclosed location at the Miami Arena before emerging just before tipoff.

During the game, a fan behind Albert on the sideline heckled him, but he continued to call him Brent Musburger.