Let's not overvalue Dampier

[Gaddabout]

Given, Dampier is much more attractive at, say, the MLE, the likelihood of that happening is still a distant hope. It's more likely, if the Clips turn down Q, the Suns would have to work a sign-and-trade to acquire Damp because Memphis appears more willing to work with Atlanta these days to help them work a trade with the Warriors.

And while Dampier would be a legitimate starting center, there are still questions about how badly he wants to play to his ability on a game-to-game basis. Part of it may be bad mojo in GS. Would that change in Phoenix? I don't know, but the post-Dial Suns have always been a player-friendly organization that retains much of the discipline power in the front office, not in the coach's office. I'd be interested how many of you think D'Antoni would be able to motivate Dampier for a full season.

While I would like the addition to the roster, I do not think adding Dampier in the absence of Quentin Richardson makes or breaks this off-season. There are too many question marks about the player to make that kind of sure statement.

 

[Alan]

With all the quick FA signings, I think the reason Dampier hasn't signed yet is because he was waiting to see what happened with Q.

 

[George O'Brien]

Several months ago I read a post from a GS fan who said the real problem with Dampier has been nagging injuries and that he was playing hurt. I don't know if that was true, but it is worth considering. In 2000-01 he played in only 43 games

Another problem with Dampier has been that the Warriors have had a number of big men. Foyle got more minutes than the typical backup The result was that Dampier had fewer minutes than he might have, even if he had been completely healthy.

In 2002-03, Dampier played only 24.1 minutes per game while Foyle played 21.8 minutes a game. Dampier averaged only 6.6 rpg, but that would translate into 8.9 rpg if he played 32.5 minutes a game like he did in 2003-04.

Oddly enough, the previous time he played that many minutes was in 97-98 when he played 32.4 minutes and grabbed 8.7 rpg. In fact, Dampier's rebounding per minute has been pretty consistent except for his two years when he had injuries. Converted into 32.5 minute games, he averages just under 9 rpg.

Last season was more than just more minutes. Dampier has played along side some very good rebounders. In 2002-03, Murphy had 10.2 rpg, Jamison 7.0 rpg, Foyle 6.0 rpg, and Fortson had 4.3 rpg while playing only 13.1 minutes. In that environment, Dampier still grabbed 6.6 rpg while playing only 24.1 minutes.

On the Suns, I think Dampier would get around 8.5 rpg in 32 minutes based on his history. That is not all star material, but it would be a major plus.

 

[sunsfn]

I have always thought Dampier is a very good center. He has size and toughness.
The problem is his salary to sign him as a free agent. If the suns can sign him for a reasonable amount, he would really help the suns.

I personally think he is a much better acquisition than Richardson.

Hopefully we will find out about Richardson today!

 

[scotsman13]

from everything i have read about dampier (and i have read more and more since the off season begin). his real problem is that he has really bad hands. to the point of being wide open under the basket and getting a great pass and still dropping it.

also you have to wonder if the freindship between dampier and folye hasnt hurt one or the others play because they are such good friends.

 

[George O'Brien]

from everything i have read about dampier (and i have read more and more since the off season begin). his real problem is that he has really bad hands. to the point of being wide open under the basket and getting a great pass and still dropping it.

That seems to be an endemic problem for big men. Voskuhl routinely fumbles passes and White was almost hopeless catching the ball. I think people underestimate how valuable being able to catch the ball cleanly is. It is one of the reason that Lampe has the potential of being a very good offensive player.

BTW, the "hands" issue has several parts. Dampier has always been a good rebounder, so I think he has the hands to catch the ball - just not the concentration.

 

[moviebuff316]

reply

We should overvalue Dampier. You know why? Suns are weak at center. Lampe and Zarko are not centers, so saying they can play center is all too risky. Voskuhl is not a center that will bang for rbs. He is the guy you want to come off your bench. If there is the possibilty of getting Dampier we should pray that Clippers match Q's contract.

 

[George O'Brien]

We should overvalue Dampier. You know why? Suns are weak at center. Lampe and Zarko are not centers, so saying they can play center is all too risky. Voskuhl is not a center that will bang for rbs. He is the guy you want to come off your bench. If there is the possibilty of getting Dampier we should pray that Clippers match Q's contract.

It is far from clear that the Suns will have the cap space to get Dampier or even that he wants to be a Suns. I would love to have him, but I'm not counting on it.

BTW, I think it would be a mistake to overvalue Dampier. To do so would mean giving up key players to get him, which I'm reluctant to do. But if he came for $45 million, he would not be overvalued.