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Erick Dampier

Drafted #10 in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Pacers
Height: 6'11" (211 cm)
Weight: 268 lbs (122 kg)
Position: C
High School: Lawrence County High School (Mississippi)
Hometown: Jackson, MS
AAU: Jolly Ford
College: Mississippi St.
Current Team:

Articles

NBA Scouting Reports, Southwestern Division (Part One)

Jonathan Givony
Jonathan Givony
Matt Williams
Matt Williams
Joseph Treutlein
Joseph Treutlein
Eric Weiss
Eric Weiss
May 15, 2008, 08:00 pm
Overview: A veteran center who has underachieved relative to his mammoth contract in Dallas. Has prototypical size for a center, and has a strong body to match. Shows surprising mobility for a player of his size, but isn’t overly explosive. An excellent offensive rebounder. Is asked to be efficient, and do the little things in Dallas. Possesses a great deal of self-confidence and won’t shy away from a challenge underneath. Doesn’t always play hard now that he’s locked into a long-term contract, and his consistency wavers unpredictably.

Offense: Extremely efficient in Dallas’ system. Rarely gets plays called for him and has to get his opportunities from cuts and offensive boards. Uses his size and mobility to get very easy baskets around the rim. Sets very good screens and is always around the offensive boards. No longer demands the ball. Could very well lead the League in FG%, but probably won’t qualify. Doesn’t shoot jumpers anymore. Has become the prototypical offensive role player for a team with numerous weapons. Does a great job of finishing at the rim. Doesn’t have to square to the rim to be productive. Can absorb contact and get to the line. Shoots a mediocre percentage from the stripe. Makes good decisions with the ball and isn’t afraid to pull it out to get a better look. Becoming very unselfish.

Defense: Essentially a specialist who is asked to be as dynamic as possible when in the game. Gives his best effort sometimes to neutralize an opponent’s best back to the basket threat. Great length makes him a good shot blocker in close. Quick enough to keep up with most centers, but can be beaten off the dribble by more explosive posts. Does a good job grabbing loose balls when they come his way. Sheer size and excellent hands makes him a great rebounder. Tends to commit quite a few fouls at the rim, but that’s really part of his job description. Fits what Avery Johnson wants out of his centers, especially on the defensive end.