Erick Dampier Completes First Practice With Miami Heat

Filed under: Heat, NBA Rumors, NBA Transactions

MIAMI -- Erick Dampier finally signed with the Miami Heat, nearly two months after the team initially passed on his services. With co-captain Udonis Haslem lost indefinitely and the Heat getting pummeled inside throughout the season, Dampier was the best big man available on the market after accepting a buyout from the Charlotte Bobcats before the season started and becoming an unrestricted free agent. The coaching staff hopes his presence inside as a low-post defender and rebounder will help plug one of the team's holes in the roster.

"I just wanted to make sure it was the right situation for me," said Dampier shortly after signing with Miami and wrapping up his first practice. "You never know what happens after training camp, the start of the season and injuries happen. I had other options but I wanted to be on a contending team. They have great guys on this team, some of the best players in the league, so this gave me an opportunity to come here and play. I just got to make the best of it."

Dampier was the last player off the court following Tuesday's practice, going overtime alongside rookie Dexter Pittman after the rest of the team had finished up. Both big men, on opposite ends of their careers, worked on drills together with the coaching staff. The former Mavericks center is eager to play immediately to help out his new team.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/23/erick-dampier-completes-first-practice-with-miami-heat/

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