Kemp Blames Tardiness on the Effect of New Diet

Shawn Kemp, after being fined by the Portland Trail Blazers for missing a practice, blamed his absence on weariness triggered by his new diet.

Kemp slept through the workout Tuesday morning, then joined the team in Dallas after catching an afternoon flight. Saying Kemp’s low playing time may be cut further, Coach Mike Dunleavy did not play him against the Mavericks.

“He’s under the microscope,” Dunleavy said.

Kemp accepted the fine, saying, “I have to accept it because I don’t want these guys to think I want to be treated any different.”

As for how much weight he has lost, Kemp would only say “a lot.”

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The Miami Heat’s Alonzo Mourning, who leads all Eastern Conference centers in early voting for the NBA All-Star Game, hasn’t ruled out playing in the game despite being sidelined for the season because of a kidney disease.

“For some miraculous reason if I’m able to play, I will play,” Mourning said. “But it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to play.”

Mourning said he definitely will attend the game.

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Charlotte Hornet forward Lee Nailon was served with a warrant for outstanding child support payments at the team’s morning shootaround. Nailon was taken to the Mecklenburg County (N.C.) jail before authorities presiding over the case allowed him to be released. . . . The Sacramento Kings signed Coach Rick Adelman to a two-year contract extension through the 2003-04 season.