Dampier is the second profile of the not unlikely, but not terribly likely the Knicks will pick up this free agent list. Dampier made $713K last season.
Center
Played last season with the Miami Heat.
6'11'' 265lbs Age 34. Career averages of 7.5 PPG and 7.2 RPG. (2.5/3.5)
Dampier is another tough minded defensive stopper. He is known for crowding the basket and getting the occassional block. He can also finish around the paint and gave the Knicks some fits in their meetings last season. Dampier has said he is not retiring and is estranged from the Heat because he did not log a single minute is last year's playoffs. While Dampier will not impress anyone with his offensive prowess, he is a solid option for a defensive guy. In addition, he will not be able to ask for anything other than the veteran's minimum and would most likely accept a 1 year deal. His obvious low upside, in this instance, is outweighed by the fact that he will be cheap and will fit exactly into the future plans of the New York Knicks trying to free up salary for 2012. I would pull the trigger on this guy if we could get him on a 1 year deal for the minimum. File this under dollar store purchase.
The reason he doesn't fall under the likely to sign with us list, is Dampier has stated he only wants to play for a contender. It is not clear whether he views New York as such. We may be able to woo him with the fact that he will be a de facto starter in our line-up taking the lion's share of the minutes in combination with Ronny Turiaf. Also, come the beginning of the season he may find out that no one else wants him.
Player most likely to be waived for him to replace: Jerome Jordan.
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