Chris Kaman missed Friday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers in order to be present for the birth of his first child. His wife, Emilie Kaman, gave birth to a healthy baby boy early this morning. Per the Trail Blazers’ PR team, Barrett Christopher Kaman was born at 12:27 a.m., weighing 8.1 pounds and measuring 22 inches in length. That is one huge kid, but, then again, Chris is seven-feet tall.
Emilie and Chris Kaman gave birth to a baby boy, Barrett Christopher Kaman, at 12:27 AM on 12/27 at 22-in long, 8 lbs 2 oz.
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) December 27, 2014
The timing of Barrett’s birth could not have been better from a basketball perspective. Emilie was due on December 18th, so it is a small miracle that Chris was even in Portland when Barrett was actually ready. The Trail Blazers can even make do without Chris if need be, since they are enjoying a soft spot in their schedule.
As reported by The Oregonian’s Joe Freeman, Chris was not present at practice today and his availability for Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks is questionable. It would not be surprising to see him sit this one out to be with his growing family, but there is still a good chance that he retakes the court.