In the News

Hawks sign Dampier for remainder of season
Center Erick Dampier, who has been with Atlanta on a pair of 10-day contracts, has signed with the Hawks for the remainder of the season.

Hawks sign C Erick Dampier for remainder of season (Yahoo! Sports)
ATLANTA (AP) Center Erick Dampier, who has been with Atlanta on a pair of 10-day contracts, has signed with the Hawks for the remainder of the season.

Hawks sign veteran Dampier to 10-day contract
The Atlanta Hawks, short-handed at center following injuries to Al Horford and Jason Collins, signed 15-year veteran center Erick Dampier to a 10-day contract on Thursday.

Hawks sign C Dampier to 10-day contract (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks, short-handed at center following injuries to Al Horford and Jason Collins, signed 15-year veteran center Erick Dampier to a 10-day contract on Thursday. Dampier, 36, bolsters the team's roster for a tough stretch that begins with a game against Dwight Howard and the Magic on Friday night.

Heat C Dampier active for Game 1 (AP)

Heat center Erick Dampier is active for Game 1 of the NBA finals against one of his former teams, the Dallas Mavericks. Dampier has not been in Miami's 12-man lineup at any previous point in this season's playoffs, despite being a starter at times for the team. He was with Dallas in 2006 when the Mavericks lost the finals to Miami in six games.

Erick Dampier of Miami Heat inactive at center against Boston Celtics
Heat center Erick Dampier is inactive for Sunday's game against the Celtics.

Analysis of what Heat can expect from Erick Dampier
Here's what the Heat can expect from Erick Dampier.

Heat sign Dampier to replace Haslem (AP)

There's a photo in the hallway that links Miami's home court and the Heat locker room, a huge image of Udonis Haslem leaping past Erick Dampier during the 2006 NBA finals. Haslem won't be making a move like that again for the next few months -- and the Heat have turned to Dampier to fill his void.

Heat turn to Dampier with Haslem out
There's a photo in the hallway that links Miami's home court and the Heat locker room, a huge image of Udonis Haslem leaping past Erick Dampier during the 2006 NBA finals.

Udonis Haslem's season might be over for Miami Heat
Heat forward Udonis Haslem may miss the remainder of the regular season after having surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left foot, and free agent Erick Dampier has been signed to help fill the void that creates.

Sources: Miami Heat closing in on picking up Erick Dampier
After a long wait in free agency, Erick Dampier is closing in on getting what he wanted all along -- a contract from the Miami Heat.

Rockets sign C Dampier to 1-year deal (AP)
A person familiar with the negotiations says Erick Dampier has agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Rockets. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no formal announcement has been made. The agreement first was reported by The Houston Chronicle and KRIV-TV. The 6-foot-11 Dampier, who will enter his 15th season, played the last six years with Dallas.

Sources: Erick Dampier has signed with Houston Rockets
Erick Dampier has signed with the Houston Rockets, according to sources.

Miami Heat says Erick Dampier won't be offered contract
The Miami Heat have decided not to offer a contract to free agent center Erick Dampier, who worked out for the team earlier this week.

Heat decide not to pursue C Dampier (AP)
The Miami Heat have decided not to offer a contract to free agent center Erick Dampier, who worked out for the team earlier this week. Heat president Pat Riley said the team was intrigued by the possibility of adding the 35-year-old Dampier, who has spent the past 14 seasons in the league. Dampier played the last six seasons in Dallas, and was the Mavericks' starter when that team lost to Miami...

Sources: Erick Dampier leans toward signing with Miami Heat
Erick Dampier is leaning toward signing with the Miami Heat, according to league sources. The 35-year-old center is expected to announce his decision Thursday night or Friday.

Bobcats waive Dampier, avoid luxury tax
Unable to swing a trade, the Charlotte Bobcats waived center Erick Dampier on Tuesday, voiding one of the NBA's most unique contracts and avoiding the dreaded luxury tax.

Charlotte Bobcats waive Erick Dampier to get under luxury tax
Unable to pull off a trade, the Bobcats have waived center Erick Dampier, which voids his $13 million contract and gets Charlotte under the luxury tax.

Odd contract makes Dampier 'Dust Chip' (AP)
Rod Higgins was general manager of the Golden State Warriors in 2004 when he helped negotiate what seemed like a routine sign-and-trade deal involving center Erick Dampier. Six years later, Higgins is on the other side of the country in a new job as GM of the Charlotte Bobcats. And now he holds what's become one of the most valuable contracts in recent memory -- the last year of Dampier's...

MJ, Bobcats sign Kwame Brown after Erick Dampier talks stall
When Erick Dampier wouldn't agree to a new contract, the Charlotte Bobcats looked at the next-best option. It just so happened to be Kwame Brown, considered Bobcats owner Michael Jordan's worst move as an executive.

Dampier fine re-signing with Bobcats (AP)
Erick Dampier began his pro career playing for Larry Brown. He's not opposed to finishing it playing for Brown again, even if the Charlotte Bobcats void the final year of his contract. The newly acquired center indicated Friday the Bobcats would get the first chance to re-sign him -- presumably for a much smaller salary -- if they decide to wipe out the non-guaranteed $13 million due in the...

Erick Dampier says he's not opposed to re-signing with Bobcats
Erick Dampier says Charlotte will get the "first opportunity" to re-sign him if the Bobcats waive the veteran center to clear salary cap space.

Bobcats trade Chandler to Mavericks (AP)
Tyson Chandler has been traded after all, just not to the team he thought a day earlier. After Charlotte's potential deal with Toronto fell through, the Bobcats sent Chandler and fellow center Alexis Ajinca to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday for center Erick Dampier, forward Eduardo Najera, shooting guard Matt Carroll and cash considerations.

Dallas Mavericks look for value to trade Erick Dampier's contract
The Mavericks are trying to trade Erick Dampier's contract.

Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier has knee cleaned out
Mavs center Erick Dampier had an arthroscopic procedure to clean out his left knee.

Mavs C Dampier undergoes knee surgery (AP)
Mavericks center Erick Dampier has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The procedure was performed Tuesday by Dr. T.O. Souryal. Various ailments, including the balky knee, limited Dampier to 55 games this season. It was his fewest since he played 43 games for Golden State in 2000-01. Dampier averaged 6.0 points and 7.3 rebounds in the sixth year of a seven-year, $73 million contract with...

2010 NBA playoffs: Dallas Mavericks' Erick Dampier miffed over officiating in Game 3 loss to San Antonio Spurs
2010 NBA playoffs: Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier miffed over officiating in Game 3 loss to San Antonio Spurs.

Dampier fined $35K for criticizing refs (AP)
Mavericks center Erick Dampier has been fined $35,000 for publicly criticizing game officials. Dampier's punishment, announced Monday, was for comments he made following a 94-90 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night. NBA commissioner David Stern said last week the league will consider suspending players from playoff games for griping about the officials.

2010 NBA playoffs: Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier fined $35,000 by league for criticizing officiating
Mavericks center Erick Dampier was fined $35,000 by the NBA for criticizing officials.

2010 NBA playoffs: Dallas Mavericks' Erick Dampier miffed over officiating in Game 3 loss to San Antonio Spurs
2010 NBA playoffs: Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier miffed over officiating in Game 3 loss to San Antonio Spurs

Mavericks will be without J.J. Barea, but Brendan Haywood and Erick Dampier may return
The Dallas Mavericks will be without J.J. Barea, but centers Brendan Haywood and Erick Dampier could return against the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday night.

Dallas Mavericks' Erick Dampier has successful surgery on finger
Erick Dampier had finger surgery on Wednesday.

Dallas Mavericks' Erick Dampier doubtful vs. Golden State
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle leaning toward not playing Erick Dampier vs. Golden State.

Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier inactive vs. Golden State Warriors
Dallas center Erick Dampier missed the Mavericks' game Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors because of a knee injury.

Mavericks hold on to beat Bucks 108-107 (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points, Jason Terry added 21 and the Dallas Mavericks held on late to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 108-107 Tuesday night. Carlos Delfino missed a running 10-footer in the lane before the buzzer. Andrew Bogut hit his first nine shots from the floor and scored a career-high 32 points on 13 of 14 shooting.

Dallas Mavericks' Jason Kidd, Erick Dampier return against Milwaukee Bucks
Jason Kidd and Erick Dampier were back on the court for the Mavericks on Tuesday.

Dallas Mavericks expect Josh Howard, Erick Dampier to play vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Dallas Mavericks swingman Josh Howard appears ready to return to the lineup, and coach Rick Carlisle is hopeful center Erick Dampier will also be a go as Dallas hosts the Los Angeles Lakers for the first time this season on Wednesday night.

Mavericks forward Josh Howard is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday when Dallas hosts the Lakers
Josh Howard is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday against the Lakers; Erick Dampier and Tim Thomas are questionable.

Minus Dirk, Mavs ride Thomas past Cavs (AP)

Tim Thomas took Dirk Nowitzki's spot in the starting lineup and did a nice impression with 22 points, helping the Dallas Mavericks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 102-95 Sunday night to spoil LeBron James' 500th career game. The Cavs had won five straight and their previous four against the Mavericks, but they trailed the entire second half.

Cuban files protest over loss to Rockets (AP)
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban officially filed a protest with the NBA office on Sunday over what he termed "misapplication of the rules" by the officiating crew during Friday night's overtime loss to the Houston Rockets. Cuban said the officials were wrong to eject Dallas center Erick Dampier in the overtime.

Dirk's 35 and 11 lift Mavs over Thunder (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks found a way to outshine even Kevin Durant's new Creamsicle orange Nike sneakers. Nowitzki scored 13 of his 35 points in the final 8 minutes and the Mavericks used a late surge to spoil Durant's sneaker debut and beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 100-86 Wednesday night for their fifth straight win.

Dirk, Mavericks pile on to Heat's home woes
Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points, Erick Dampier finished with 20 points and 17 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks added to Miami's home woes by beating the Heat 106-93 Friday night.

Nowitzki, Dampier lead Mavs past Heat (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 points, Erick Dampier finished with 20 points and 17 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks added to Miami's home woes by beating the Heat 106-93 Friday night. Jason Terry scored 16 points, J.J. Barea added 12 points and 10 assists, and former Heat forward Shawn Marion scored 12 for Southwest Division-leading Dallas.

Dallas Mavericks' Erick Dampier reveals that he had numbness in arm
Arm numbness sent Mavs' Dampier to hospital

Dallas Mavericks' Erick Dampier returns to lineup after missing time with undisclosed medical condition
Mavericks' Erick Dampier returns to lineup.

Dampier to rejoin Mavs after illness (AP)
Mavericks center Erick Dampier is flying to Milwaukee to rejoin the team, a night after being hospitalized for an unspecified illness before Dallas' game against Detroit. Dampier was taken to a Detroit-area hospital after warmups ahead of Sunday night's 95-90 victory over the Pistons. The Mavericks did not release any information Monday about why Dampier needed to be taken to the hospital.

Mavs C Dampier misses game with illness (AP)
Dallas Mavericks center Erick Dampier has been taken to a hospital in the Detroit area after becoming ill. Dampier was out for Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. The Mavericks said Dampier became ill before the game, and was taken to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital for further tests. He was accompanied by Mavericks trainer Casey Smith.

Mavericks outshoot Rockets behind 22-3 run
Jason Terry scored 24 points, Erick Dampier had 14 points and 20 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks overcame an early 17-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 121-103 on Tuesday night.

Mavs rally from 17 down, defeat Rockets (AP)
Jason Terry scored 24 points, Erick Dampier had 14 points and 20 rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks overcame an early 17-point deficit to beat the Houston Rockets 121-103 on Tuesday night. The Mavericks went on a 22-3 run that started late in the first half and helped them bounce back after a sluggish start.

Nowitzki, Mavs beat short-handed Cavs (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 19 points before sitting out the final quarter and the Dallas Mavericks beat the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers 93-82 on Saturday night. Cavaliers coach Mike Brown held out starters LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal and Mo Williams on the second night of back-to-back preseason games after losing at San Antonio on Friday.

Carter scores 21 in Magic debut (AP)

Vince Carter scored 21 points in his Orlando debut and Brandon Bass added seven of his 13 points in the final two minutes to lift the Magic to a 110-105 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the preseason opener for both teams on Monday night. Carter, who was acquired by the Magic in an offseason trade with the Toronto Raptors, scored 15 points in the third quarter.

Wolves sign C Hollins to offer sheet (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed restricted free-agent center Ryan Hollins to an offer sheet and seem likely to get him. The Dallas Mavericks have seven days to match the offer, but they don't have much need for a third- or fourth-string center. The Mavs signed Drew Gooden last week and are counting on him to back up starter Erick Dampier.

Magic match offer from Mavs to retain Gortat
The Orlando Magic have retained backup center Marcin Gortat, matching the $34 million, five-year deal offered by the Dallas Mavericks to the restricted free agent. The Magic made the announcement Monday. Gortat averaged 3.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in about 12 minutes per game last season as a solid backup to Dwight Howard. Dallas was targeting Gortat as a backup to Erick Dampier or possibly his eventual replacement because of Dampier's expiring contract.

Nuggets overcome Dirk's 44, beat Mavs (AP)

Chauncey Billups made two free throws with 2.2 seconds left, and the Denver Nuggets overcame 44 points from Dirk Nowitzki to beat the Dallas Mavericks 99-97 on Tuesday night. Billups scored 23 points and Nene had 20 to lead a balanced attack that helped Denver recover after blowing a 17-point lead. Jason Terry had 16 points for the Mavericks, who have lost three straight.

Grizzlies end 13-game skid vs. Mavs (AP)

O.J. Mayo scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half, and the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a 13-game losing streak to the Dallas Mavericks with a 102-82 victory Sunday. Marc Gasol had 19 points for Memphis, which ended a four-game skid overall. Rudy Gay and Hakim Warrick added 18 apiece. Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavericks with 28 points, hitting 11 of 21 shots.

Mavs close strong, win 96-86 over 76ers (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki had a big fourth quarter and scored 31 points, Jason Terry added 21 and the Dallas Mavericks rallied from another deficit for a 96-86 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. Erick Dampier contributed 10 points and 14 rebounds for the Mavericks, who've won six of seven and were playing their first game since rallying from a 29-point second-half deficit to beat the...

Nowitzki ejected as Mavs lose to Jazz (AP)

Rookie Kosta Koufos scored a career-high 18 points and Deron Williams added 17 points and 13 assists as the short-handed Utah Jazz beat the Dallas Mavericks 97-88 on Friday night. The Jazz were without Carlos Boozer, Paul Millsap and Mehmet Okur -- their top three scorers and rebounders -- but outran the weary Mavericks all game and ended Dallas' three-game winning streak.

Mavericks extend dominance of Grizzlies (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points, Jason Terry added 17, and the Dallas Mavericks stretched their winning streak against the Memphis Grizzlies to 13 games with a 100-82 victory on Tuesday night. Josh Howard added 14 points, and Erick Dampier contributed 13 points and nine rebounds for the Mavericks, who have won 14 of 18.

Mavs hand Wizards sixth straight loss (AP)

The Dallas Mavericks have one of the best point guards in NBA history. The Washington Wizards have 21 losses in 25 games. On a night when Jason Kidd took over the game in the fourth quarter, the Wizards again imploded in the fourth. Kidd had 11 assists -- six in the game's final 6:05 as Dallas sent Washington to its sixth straight loss, 97-86 Sunday night.

Barea, Nowitzki lift surging Mavericks (AP)

Jose Barea scored 16 of his season-high 22 points in the decisive third quarter, and Dirk Nowitzki had 24 points to lift the Dallas Mavericks to their ninth victory in 10 games, 100-98 over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night. Barea was 7-of-9 from the floor in the third, and Dallas outscored Atlanta 33-16 in the quarter to take a 15-point lead.

Lakers beat Mavericks, improve to 6-0 (AP)

Down after one quarter, two and even three, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves in an unfamiliar place. Yet even with the Dallas Mavericks getting terrific games out of Jason Kidd and Erick Dampier, Kobe Bryant and friends found a way to pull out another one. Trevor Ariza turned an offensive rebound into an emphatic, go-ahead dunk early in the fourth quarter and added an equally emphatic block...

Clippers earn first win, beat Mavericks (AP)

Baron Davis had 22 points and 10 assists, foul-plagued Al Thornton got eight of his 17 points in the final 6 minutes and the Los Angeles Clippers snapped a season-opening six-game losing streak with a 103-92 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. Marcus Camby had 14 rebounds and 10 points for the Clippers, who had lost six straight against Dallas.

Diop rejoins Mavericks 6 months after trade
DeSagana Diop signed a five-year, $31 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, six months after Dallas sent him to New Jersey in the Jason Kidd trade. The Mavericks used their entire midlevel exception in their second free-agent deal with Diop since 2005. A lottery pick in Cleveland, Diop struggled before joining Dallas. He combined with Erick Dampier at center when the Mavericks reached the NBA finals in 2006 and won a franchise-record 67 games the next season. Diop averaged 2.

Adios, Avery
Hear from Jason Terry, Josh Howard and Erick Dampier on the firing of Mavs head coach Avery Johnson. Johnson was fired after Dallas was defeated in the first round of the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Nowitzki's return helps Mavs by Warriors (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki unexpectedly returned to the starting lineup and scored 18 points after missing four games with a high ankle sprain, and the Dallas Mavericks finally beat a winning team since acquiring Jason Kidd. Jason Terry equaled his season high with 31 points and Josh Howard added 28 for the Mavericks, whose 111-86 victory over Golden State on Wednesday night could be huge in the tight race for...

Mavericks start quick, rout Heat 98-73 (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 21 points before sitting out most of the second half, and the Dallas Mavericks stormed out to a huge early lead on the way to beating the hapless Miami Heat 98-73 Sunday night. Josh Howard added 15 for the Mavericks, who led by 20 points midway through the opening quarter and have beaten the Heat in each of the teams' past eight regular-season meetings.

Stackhouse, Dampier out for Mavs against 76ers
Dallas Mavericks forward Jerry Stackhouse and center Erick Dampier missed Monday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers because of injuries.

Kings snap Mavericks' 7-game win streak (AP)

After missing nearly six weeks with a groin injury, Kevin Martin still thinks he needs more time to get back up to speed. It's hard to imagine him playing much better than he did in his second game back from the injury. Martin scored 39 points in just under 28 minutes and John Salmons hit a game-winning drive with 2.4 seconds remaining to help the Sacramento Kings snap the Dallas Mavericks'...

Stackhouse, Dampier out for Mavs
Jerry Stackhouse and Erick Dampier missed the Dallas Mavericks' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday with injuries. Stackhouse missed his second straight game with a sprained right thumb and Dampier was also out for the second game in a row with a left knee injury. Both will be reevaluated on Monday Mavericks coach Avery Johnson said Dampier tried to do a few things in practice this week, but struggled even to get moving because of the sore knee.

Mavs' Stackhouse, Dampier out Sunday (AP)
Jerry Stackhouse and Erick Dampier missed the Dallas Mavericks' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday with injuries. Stackhouse missed his second straight game with a sprained right thumb and Dampier was also out for the second game in a row with a left knee injury. Both will be reevaluated on Monday Mavericks coach Avery Johnson said Dampier tried to do a few things in practice this...

Nowitzki's 31 help Mavs hold off Suns (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki wasn't about to let Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns get away with another win in Dallas. Nowitzki scored 31 points, including the Mavericks' final eight, giving Dallas just enough to hold off the Suns 108-105 Wednesday night in yet another intense, entertaining game between the Western Conference rivals.

Howard scores 47 to lead Mavs past Jazz (AP)

Josh Howard scored a career-high 47 points and Erick Dampier provided a season-high 21 points -- and the Dallas Mavericks needed every bit of it to beat Deron Williams and the Utah Jazz 125-117 Saturday night. Devin Harris added a career-high 12 assists to help the Mavericks end skids of two straight losses, three of four and six of nine.

There's no love for Shaq in Fantasy land
With Shaq boasting a lower fantasy ranking than Darco Milicic and Erick Dampier, Randy Hill has to ask: How far has Superman fallen?

Erick Dampier, C - DAL
Dampier's return date a mystery Visit Rotoworld.com for more analysis on this update.