Dampier isn't a stiff or a bum. He's an older (much older), better rebounding version of Perk. He could help any contender right now, which is why so many teams are after him.
However, we just don't have a lot to offer him. He'd be 3rd or 4th on our depth chart, and we've only got the minimum. He'll either go to Houston for more money, or go to Miami for a bigger role.
How big of a role do you think he wants and/or can handle at 35? They couldn't stand him in Dallas and were thrilled after the trade with the Wiz last year and got a real C.
The reason that Dallas fans (and probably management) couldn't stand him is because the team stupidly was paying him $13 million. Dampier obviously isn't a $13 million player, and he never was. He's a center who defends and rebounds, and scores garbage buckets on offense. He's certainly a "real C", although Brendan Haywood is of course younger and better.
I mean, I don't think "he's not as good as Brendan Haywood" or "he's not worth $13 million" is a viable reason not to have interest in a guy. Some of the best GMs in the league, including Daryl Morey, are after this guy, so I'm confident that he can still play.
In terms of the role I think he could handle, I see him as a 20 to 25 minute per night center.
