its about depth at center...we have one coming back from surgery, who only will play half the game, and another who's not a young guy anymore. Anything happens to either and we're in a bad situation, backing up the spot with a power forward. If dampier comes cheap, he can still provde size, if even during what is seen as garbage minutes. That could be the difference between holding on to a lead to end the game or having to bring back in the starters, for example.
Apparently it would be a minor movement (a 3rd center) but thinking ahead it's great news. It's a perfect move thinking in our biggest conference rival, weakening at the same time the max rival of the other conference. Give us elite depth at center position, something we have lacked since (...) And by the way forces Hill to compete with Hayes for the backup PF (his natural position), playing his minutes alongside a true center, something that would give us even more size and inside presence, our biggest need for a Lakers series. You could play: Yao - Scola; Yao - Miller; Yao - Hayes; Yao - Hill; Dampier - Scola; Dampier - Miller; Dampier - Hill; Miller - Hill; Miller - Scola... So hopefully take place soon.
Bucks only have the minimum but could offer serious playing time, I say he ends up a Rocket by tomorrow.
I'd rather see Fesenko, if we really need a third string center. I'd be content with our starting center from last year in that role. Our roster ain't too shabby.
A lot of people laughed when we first signed old man Deke, too. Not sure why people get so upset about signing a cheap backup. No assets are given up, the only risk is a slight hit to Les Alexander's pocketbook. Doubt if he had to tighten his belt after the Steve Francis and Bonzi Wells signings didn't pan out.
It's not about skill. He's a very serviceable big man. But don't compare him to Deke. Deke was a leader and HOFer. Dampier is a douche.
can anyone explain why we provided a 4mil 2 years contract for him in the last few weeks? Morey fans, it is time to stop..........
it is part of Morey's job to deal with player injuries. But put up a 4 mil contract to someone whom the heat does not want even with minimum payment? Brad Miller for 15 mil? Sorry... I do not think any of other GMs in this league would do.
Fesenko is a project. He's Aaron Gray with a little more athleticism. Not much more than that at this point. Heck he's on the same level as B.J. Mullens. We have no clue how he'll turn out, but Dampier has shown what he does and that's what this team needs; shot-blocking, rebounding, and a little extra toughness in the post.
From high school, college, to the NBA, Dampier has mostly been a Winner, Good Rebounder, Defender, Efficient on O-Fence, and must be Hungry for Post Season Success, however he really needs to Improve his Free Throws...
I'd love to get a project like Fesenko but with the Yao situation we're going to need a big that can log 20+ minutes some nights, and be productive. Dampier is efficient around the basket, rebounds at a high rate, and is solid defensively...fits the bill perfectly.
I don't want any part of Dampier, this guy's got no offense and is only mediocre in rebounding and blocking considering he is 7 footer....
2 million a year isn't much in today's nba, especially for a center who's not an undersized stiff. Heat also already had 4 centers and could use their money more wisely at another spot. Miller was getting offers from other teams...i dont think they offered 10 and morey said "ill give you 15", morey probably just went right over what others offered. That may have pushed it slightly into "overpaid" territory, but that's how you have to deal when you need something badly.
Heat did want him but the problem was that they told him it would be an open competition instead of handing him the job, the deal was done until that happened. Miller's contract is a bit much but remember that last year is only partially guaranteed which should make him attractive in a trade if necessary. When your franchise player is injury prone it would put any GM behind the 8-ball. Dampier is getting 2 million per year, how is that bad? As much crap as we talk about him, there was a pretty nice market for him.
