Shawn Kemp's return to professional basketball lasted just nine days.

That's how long Kemp practiced with Montegranaro Premiata of the Italian League until the team broke off its one-year contract with the former NBA star ... one week before the start of the season, no less.

But on the plus side, that was probably only enough time for Kemp to father one illegitimate child that the Italian government will ultimately bear the financial responsibility for raising.

Two at the most.