Dallas to get Dampier!

[Grave_Addiction]

Erick Dampier's oddyssey may wind up not in the Big Apple but in Big D.

Sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher that the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors have agreed in principle to a trade Tuesday, in which forward Eduardo Najera, forward Christian Laettner, two future first-round picks, and cash go to Golden State in exchange for center Erick Dampier, center Evan Eschmeyer, and guard Dan Dickau.

However, the deal may not be consummated until later this summer because NBA rules stipulate that no player may be dealt twice within a two-month period. Both Laettner and Dickau were were involved in being traded earlier this summer.

Dampier, 30, apparently will forgo a six-year, $50 million with the Atlanta Hawks.

Dampier, drafted 10th overall by Indiana in 1996, hoped to join the New York Knicks as part of a sign-and-trade deal, but the Warriors refused to take on salary to accommodate their former starting center's wishes.

He was also wooed by Jermaine O'Neal, who would have liked to have had the 6-foot-11, 270-pound Dampier do the dirty work inside for the Pacers, who were overwhelmed by Detroit's frontcourt in their Eastern Conference finals loss.

------------------------------------

All I can say is, Happy Day!

I've been saying Dallas should be going after Dampier this entire off season, and now we finally got him. Dallas has quietly been getting some good players to move forward.

Our starting lineup now looks like this:

Jason Terry
Marquis Daniels
Michael Finley
Dirk Nowitzki
Eric Dampier

Bench:
Devin Harris
Josh Howard
Jerry Stackhouse
Calvin Booth
Shawn Bradley
D.J. Mbenga
Alan Henderson
Avery Johnson
Pavel Podkolzin
Evan Eschmeyer
Dan Dickau

I gotta say our bench is looking very damn good, too. I might even venture to say it could be the best bench in the NBA if Stackhouse can stay healthy and we get solid years from Harris, Booth and Howard.

The player italicized are probably the only bench players that will see playing time this season. The other ones will either be traded, cut or be on injured reserve.

So whaddya guys think of the new Mavs? The additions of Devin Harris, Jason Terry and Eric Dampier have really dampened the blow from losing Nash.

[rjblazed]

Nice team too bad you still have don nelson as your coach.

[FriskyTanuki]

They'll be the same old Mavs that never get anywhere in the playoffs.

[Grave_Addiction]

They'll be the same old Mavs that never get anywhere in the playoffs.

I forgot that two games from the NBA Finals is considered getting nowhere. I'm sorry, I just forgot about that.

[liquidsnake]

no defense=no championship...but it does make sense for the business of the mavericks, even though they dont win championships, they make lots of money during the regular season and playoffs by the faced pace, exciting type of offense the run, people like to watch that but it doesnt make them win championships

[Grave_Addiction]

no defense=no championship

New players that can play defense = better defense.

[FriskyTanuki]

They'll be the same old Mavs that never get anywhere in the playoffs.

I forgot that two games from the NBA Finals is considered getting nowhere. I'm sorry, I just forgot about that.

With the money spent and talent that they have, that's a disappoinment. They're like the Yankees in that the type of money and talent they have should mean that they get to the finals, but they never do. It won't change this year either.

[TheRock88]

I cant believe the Warriors made this trade. I was hoping they would get someone better then Najera and Laettner.

[magilacudy]

New players that can play defense = better defense.

You said players plural. Considering they traded their best defensive stopper/ sparkplug Najera, the only new acquisition who has defensive capability would be Dampier. Even then, his stats increased quite conveniently as his contract was expiring, which seems suspicious (according to various sportswriters at least). Dampier can get stats but he is not a team-player.

That was a bad trade for both teams. Any trade involving Eschmeyer is immediately crappy. Cuban made this trade out of desperation and boredom. Oh yeah, What did Dampier say originally, that he would go to NY regardless of any money thrown his way? Well that was probably before the reality set in that a certain Fu would be in the same conference.

Mavs are not getting to the finals this year or any year until they bring in a new coach. Until then your team has a number of good individuals but not a cohesive team, not unlike a poor man's Team USA, or even the Kings (as a Kings fan even I have to admit that in crunch-time situations they play like a bunch of strangers).

[daphatty]

You shouldn't be so excited to get Dampier. He's not an A-level player.

[ksuwild25]

What's with the all the Mavs bashing. And no the Mavs are not like the Yankees. Yankees can lure teams to sign with them, Mavs get their talented players thanks to their heavily favored and lopsided deals provided by Mark Cuban. Mavs always miss the key signings if I recall from recent memory Alonzo Mourning, Karl Malone, and Rashard Lewis went elsewhere.

Mavs are a totally new team from previous seasons.

Also I'm still not going to get excited about this until, this trade is official. I remember it sounded like the Knicks were going to get Dampier and all these players were mentioned, then all of a sudden it just fell apart. Same with that Shaq trade that almost happend for us. Also want to bring up those above mentioned free agents that got away. It's not done, until it's done.

I do have to say this has been one of the wackiest offseasons I've ever season if this trade does go down.

We go from what looked kind would have been the best NBA lineup of

Nash
Daniels
Finley
Nowitzki
O'neal

Bench: Low

to what I thought would have been a team battling the 6-8 seed:

Harris
Daniels
Finley
Nowitzki
Bradley

Bench: Average

to finally a major contender

Terry
Daniels
Finley
Nowitzki
Dampier

Bench: Grave put it best, "very damn good".

I thought for sure if Dallas would've pulled off a trade for Dampier, we would've had to cough up Howard. We still are way over the roster limit since the trade will even raise our roster total. Another trade, or two, should be taking place soon.

[CaseyRyback]

I cant believe the Warriors made this trade. I was hoping they would get someone better then Najera and Laettner.

Laettner is not all that good, but Naranja is a really really good player. Amazing defender and is a huge spark off the bench

[magilacudy]

I agree ksu, another trade is forthcoming. Remember that the Mavs took on Stack and Chrissy as trade bait for Shaq. I don't think Cuban has any intention of keeping them.

While they have a good lineup, I wouldn't say they are major contenders, because they still don't play defense.

[Grave_Addiction]

New players that can play defense = better defense.

You said players plural. Considering they traded their best defensive stopper/ sparkplug Najera, the only new acquisition who has defensive capability would be Dampier. Even then, his stats increased quite conveniently as his contract was expiring, which seems suspicious (according to various sportswriters at least). Dampier can get stats but he is not a team-player.

That was a bad trade for both teams. Any trade involving Eschmeyer is immediately crappy. Cuban made this trade out of desperation and boredom. Oh yeah, What did Dampier say originally, that he would go to NY regardless of any money thrown his way? Well that was probably before the reality set in that a certain Fu would be in the same conference.

Mavs are not getting to the finals this year or any year until they bring in a new coach. Until then your team has a number of good individuals but not a cohesive team, not unlike a poor man's Team USA, or even the Kings (as a Kings fan even I have to admit that in crunch-time situations they play like a bunch of strangers).

Nash left and we got Jason Terry to fill his shoes. From what I've read, Jason Terry is a pretty solid defender and can shoot the lights out. I just remember that this guy can play.

I really don't see how you can say this trade is bad for both teams. Najera, while a good role player, was never going to get enough minutes and Laettner is a bust. We also gave up two future first round picks. I say Dallas made out in this trade.

Dampier, while not the best center out there, is a good, solid center that can give the Mavs some good rebounding, defense and low-post scoring that we've sorely missed for a long, long time.

He averaged 12 rebounds and 12 points a game in 32.5 minutes. That's exactly what Dallas has been needing.

If Nellie can get this team to play together, I really think Dallas could be surprising a lot people come playoff time.

Also now that Nash is gone, this is Dirk's team. If Dirk can play with half of the passion and intensity that he plays for Germany during the Olympics, then he will have a huge year, maybe even an MVP worthy year.

[CaseyRyback]

although everyone said the West got stronger, aside from SA no team did anything to make them a definite champion

Dallas has a shot as the only teams stronger than them are the Spurs and T'Wolves.

also what hurt dallas last year was trading Nick Van Exel. He was clutch in the playoffs

[daphatty]

This is, what, the second time Laetner has played for the warriors?

[Grave_Addiction]

I agree ksu, another trade is forthcoming. Remember that the Mavs took on Stack and Chrissy as trade bait for Shaq. I don't think Cuban has any intention of keeping them.

While they have a good lineup, I wouldn't say they are major contenders, because they still don't play defense.

First off, when a team has as much turnover during the offseason that Dallas has, how can you say they still don't play defense.? Have you seen them playing as a team?

There are a lot of new faces on the team, and we do have some good youngin's that play tough D in Marquis, Josh Howard and supposedly Devin Harris can play some D, too. You gotta remember that Nash was a horrible defender. Now that we actually have a point that can play some D, that will really help our guys down low not have to worry about supporting the guards when they get beat. They can worry about guarding their man or playing the zone like they should.

I do agree with you that Dallas will either have to make another trade or cut some people. We now have 16 players with guaranteed contracts. I think you can only have 12, so that means four players either have to go or are going to be on injured reserve the rest of the season.

I can tell you right now that Pavel and Avery probably won't see any playing time.

Avery Johnson could be one of the most significant signings for Dallas. He brings tough, hard-nosed coaching to Dallas, and he's a stickler for great defense. He's supposedly the heir-apparent to Don Nelson, and that makes me happy.

In the 2002-2003 season, Dallas showed they can play defense. We need to get back to that mentality and try to duplicate the success we had. I think Dallas is going to have a very surprising season.

[whiteboy]

Damn... my warriors make another bad trade. at least we'll get 2 first round picks. Hopefully this will be the year where Richardson will be our go to guy because he's got what it takes (unlike Mike Dunleavy who seems to be a bust)

[Grave_Addiction]

:oops:

[captainfrizo]

I don't know for sure if Dampier is the missing piece to the puzzle, but he certainly won't hurt the Mavs. I'd probably put them third right now in the conference (behind SA and Minn), but I wouldn't call them a favorite for the NBA title (or even the Western Conference). They'll contend, but I don't see them getting to the Finals, at least not this year.

[Grave_Addiction]

This is, what, the second time Laetner has played for the warriors?

It's been the second time Laettner has been with Dallas, too.

[Grave_Addiction]

Stats on Dampier last season:

Ranks #4 in the NBA in Rebounds Per Game(12.0)
Ranks #3 in the NBA in Field-Goal Percentage(0.535)
Ranks #1 in the NBA in Offensive Rebounds(344.0)
Ranks #1 in the NBA in Offensive Rebounds Per Game(4.6)
Ranks #12 in the NBA in Defensive Rebounds(543.0)
Ranks #11 in the NBA in Defensive Rebounds Per Game(7.3)
Ranks #3 in the NBA in Total Rebounds(887.0)
Ranks #1 in the NBA in Offensive Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(6.9)
Ranks #5 in the NBA in Defensive Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(10)
Ranks #1 in the NBA in Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(17.7)
Ranks #9 in the NBA in Efficiency Ranking Per 48 Minutes(29.6)

[chickenhawk]

Finally!! A pickup that may actually improve the team in area where they need improvement!! :)

[ksuwild25]

I think Terry could handle most of the PGs that gave Dallas problems last year, ex. Bibby, Parker, etc.

Those type of PGs (I think almost all PGs gave Nash problems) lead to all sorts of mayhem for the Mavs cause they could drive to the basket and either take the shot or more than likely dish out to the outside guy or to an interior guy. This is not to even mention for some reason Nash always let these guys should wide open perimeter shots.

To me Nash was our most glaring player on defense. Yes, Finley and Nowitzki also stand out, but I don't think they have as an important role as the PG does as the situation I mentioned above, and I think Terry will clog that hole up.

So I'll try to compare the Mavs' last year defense to what this year's looks like.

Nash<Terry

Daniels - not too sure yet, I want to see him play a full season first

Finley>Finley - an older Finley is just going to get worse IMO. I think Howard is a good defender and would like to see Howard replace Finley, especially if Finley's game continues to diminish. What happend to the aggressive Finley I use to love?

Nowitzki<?Nowitzki - his game is suppose to be improving, but that's what the newspapers seem to say every year these past 3 or 4 years.

Walker<Dampier - I will agree that I don't think Dampier is the Mavs' savior, but he is definitely better than what Mavs currently had. He does seem to just play well in contract years, but hopefully he realizes he can be the key difference maker for the Mavs and contribute.

I don't think I've ever seen so much praise for Najera though. I personally never liked the guy. I felt he was undersized, skill-lacking, but had tons of heart and energy that could cause havoc on the opponent's big men. He was a smart guy, but once he loses that spark there's nothing there. I feel it will be soon and once that's gone all you got is a talentless undersized player. He also has been injury plagued these past couple of seasons.

When I meant "major contender", I still don't think the Mavs are anywhere near the top 2 teams in the Western Conference. I meant they should be able to battle with the other top teams in the conference and could still give the Wolves and Spurs a run for their money, but overall the fact that they (Wolves and Spurs) can keep their great core and chemistry is irreplaceable.

[Grave_Addiction]

I think Terry could handle most of the PGs that gave Dallas problems last year, ex. Bibby, Parker, etc.

Those type of PGs (I think almost all PGs gave Nash problems) lead to all sorts of mayhem for the Mavs cause they could drive to the basket and either take the shot or more than likely dish out to the outside guy or to an interior guy. This is not to even mention for some reason Nash always let these guys should wide open perimeter shots.

To me Nash was our most glaring player on defense. Yes, Finley and Nowitzki also stand out, but I don't think they have as an important role as the PG does as the situation I mentioned above, and I think Terry will clog that hole up.

So I'll try to compare the Mavs' last year defense to what this year's looks like.

Nash<Terry

Daniels - not too sure yet, I want to see him play a full season first

Finley>Finley - an older Finley is just going to get worse IMO. I think Howard is a good defender and would like to see Howard replace Finley, especially if Finley's game continues to diminish. What happend to the aggressive Finley I use to love?

Nowitzki<?Nowitzki - his game is suppose to be improving, but that's what the newspapers seem to say every year these past 3 or 4 years.

Walker<Dampier - I will agree that I don't think Dampier is the Mavs' savior, but he is definitely better than what Mavs currently had. He does seem to just play well in contract years, but hopefully he realizes he can be the key difference maker for the Mavs and contribute.

I don't think I've ever seen so much praise for Najera though. I personally never liked the guy. I felt he was undersized, skill-lacking, but had tons of heart and energy that could cause havoc on the opponent's big men. He was a smart guy, but once he loses that spark there's nothing there. I feel it will be soon and once that's gone all you got is a talentless undersized player. He also has been injury plagued these past couple of seasons.

When I meant "major contender", I still don't think the Mavs are anywhere near the top 2 teams in the Western Conference. I meant they should be able to battle with the other top teams in the conference and could still give the Wolves and Spurs a run for their money, but overall the fact that they (Wolves and Spurs) can keep their great core and chemistry is irreplaceable.

Good post.

Speaking of Finley, it's kinda amazing how quickly his play diminished once he signed that max contract. Ever since then, he's been a shadow of his former self.

I agree with you that Howard should replace Finley if he struggles again this year, but Nellie would never bench Finley in favor of Howard.

I think what the media means when they talk about Dirk improving every year is that he was always improving a different facet of his game, while his PPG went up each season, too. All that excludes last season, though. He took a step back; hell the whole team did really with the exception of the rookies.

Do you think that the DFW media will still say that Dallas has a Big Three in Nowitzski, Finley and Terry? I think Terry will be a breath of fresh air to Dallas. Just think of it, a point guard that can actually defend! That makes me giggle just thinking about it.

I can't wait till Dallas plays Phoenix, though. That will be one I can't miss.

[magilacudy]

First off, when a team has as much turnover during the offseason that Dallas has, how can you say they ? Have you seen them playing as a team?

No, but you can't put the onus on the players to play defense if the coach doesn't emphasize it. Don Nelson is what is holding the team back, and no amount of trades will change that.


There are a lot of new faces on the team, and we do have some good youngin's that play tough D in Marquis, Josh Howard and supposedly Devin Harris can play some D, too.

I like Howard and Daniels so far. They are good, but do they have what it takes to be more than just role players? Your guess is as good as mine.

They can worry about guarding their man or playing the zone like they should

Again, this is the coach's job to establish defensive sets and plans, which Nelson has never emphasized. His best defensive 'tactic' so far was Hack-a-Bowen. Nelson is exactly like Adelman in that he just sits back and lets the offense control the game tempo.

I can tell you right now that Pavel and Avery probably won't see any playing time.

From what I've heard Podkolzine is this year's Darko. He just seems lost on the court, so he'll be riding the pine for a while. Avery Johnson's my favorite player since he led the Spurs to the championship. I would nominate him to coach as soon as possible.


In the 2002-2003 season, Dallas showed they can play defense.
How did they show this? We don't get many Dallas games up here, but from what I've seen for the past few years they've been neglecting defense and relying on their scoring to win games.

EDIT:

Grave, It's funny you mention Dampier's stats. I was just reading this article on ESPN and it reminded me of rumors I've heard about him.

More importantly, why would anyone direct his wrath at someone like Ricky [Williams] when there are juicier targets out there -- like Bonds and Giambi, for example. Or Erick Dampier, who basically took all six seasons of a $48 million contract off, then played hard for the Warriors last season only because he was about to become a free agent.

It's hearsay of course, but just places some doubt on this guy who some would call the savior of the franchise. Hell, my friend was convinced he was going to the Knicks and was bragging how they could dominate the East.

[sj41]

:shock: OMG, it's J Sweeney JR.

I'm glad that the Mavs have a center that can play. Overall, I think the Mavs are not as good as they were before this offseason started. I feel as though, the team from last season didn't get a good enough chance. The loss of Nash is huge. All these trades are helping, but they are not getting rid of the loss of Nash. I guess I can't judge before they play, so I'll we'll just see how good they are once the season starts.

[ksuwild25]

Terry's interview sounded like he really wanted to be here. I'm glad too, cause I really think he meant it, which means I think we'll see him put out tons of effort.

Yeah, I think the improvement for either last summer (it might be this summer too) is I think Dirk is working on his hook shot.

What I'm thinking about now is who the Mavs might go after next. More than likely an overpaid guy, but I'm just wonderin who they have in mind and what position. I'm thinking they need a PF to back-up Dirk at the moment.

[epobirs]

When I clicked on this topic I thought it was for a humorously mispelled weather report.

[goldengraham]

Richardson will be our go to guy because he's got what it takes (unlike Mike Dunleavy who seems to be a bust)

You kidding about Dunleavy? He stepped it up last year, playing PG well of all positions. Dunleavy is still only I think a 3rd or 4th year guy, he's got plenty of time still. Far from a bust in my opinion.

It sucks to see Damp go but after signing Foyle to that horrendous contract and Damp's strong year the team simply couldn't afford him.

Bad losses: Damp, Cardinal
Good losses: Van Exel

[TheRock88]

The only problem with Terry is that he's a shoot first pg instead of a distributor. That may cause problems if they make it into the playoffs.

[Grave_Addiction]

The only problem with Terry is that he's a shoot first pg instead of a distributor. That may cause problems if they make it into the playoffs.

True, but I think Don Nelson will put him in his place before he gets it into his mind that it's his offense. Although Nelson has always tried to get his point guards to shoot more. That was one of his problems he had with Nash. He wouldn't shoot enough.

I don't think anyone will deny that this is Dirk's team now. He didn't get as many shots last season due to Walker and Jamison having to get theirs. Jamison got the good points, though. He was always around the basket and getting put ins. Walker, on the other hand, would lay up bricks all day long. I'm so glad he's gone.

[Zenithian Legend]

However, the deal may not be consummated until later this summer because NBA rules stipulate that no player may be dealt twice within a two-month period. Both Laettner and Dickau were were involved in being traded earlier this summer.

That's the part I don't get. Is this just a rule during the off-season? Because Rasheed went to from Portland 1 game, to Atlanta his next to Detroit the game after that.

[ksuwild25]

^ When you trade for someone, you have to wait 60 days before you can package him with other players in another trade. You can still trade Laettner or Dickau anytime as long as they are by themselves. So you can do Laettner for somebody, but have to wait for Laettner + another player for whoever. Dallas is still waiting for that deadline to expire which is August 24. Dickau was traded to GS in that Dale Davis-NVE swap and I'm not sure when his 60 days is up, but I think it's sometime in September. We could be in for a long wait, but I heard they might do this:

Trade exception for Dan Dickau (he is by himself so this can happen anytime)

then on August 24

Laettner + Najera + draft picks for Dampier and Eschmeyer.

[Zenithian Legend]

Ah, thanks for clearing that up

[camoor]

Dallas got a dhampir? Isn't that unfair considering he'll have super-strength and speed? All I know is that if I was on the Skins I'd by a neck helmet.

[Zenithian Legend]

WTF... I just... wow... I don't know how else to respond to that all I can say is that deserves a monkey, but ever since my primary drive crashed I'm all out of comical pictures.

[jimbojonesjr]

I cant believe the Warriors made this trade. I was hoping they would get someone better then Najera and Laettner.

I agree.

[jimbojonesjr]

Richardson will be our go to guy because he's got what it takes (unlike Mike Dunleavy who seems to be a bust)

You kidding about Dunleavy? He stepped it up last year, playing PG well of all positions. Dunleavy is still only I think a 3rd or 4th year guy, he's got plenty of time still. Far from a bust in my opinion.

It sucks to see Damp go but after signing Foyle to that horrendous contract and Damp's strong year the team simply couldn't afford him.

Bad losses: Damp, Cardinal
Good losses: Van Exel

I just hope we'll be able to sign J Rich next year.

[Grave_Addiction]

Dallas got a dhampir? Isn't that unfair considering he'll have super-strength and speed? All I know is that if I was on the Skins I'd by a neck helmet.

Dude, what the hell are you talking about? :roll: