Rockets look to add another big to play behind Yao

[Dash]

Following up with this report of limiting Yao's minutes come a few more about the possibility of adding another big man to play 10-15+ minutes behind the big fella. Reportedly been interested in both Dampier and Jazz restricted FA Fesenko.

The Miami Heat emerged Wednesday as the front-runner to land free-agent center Erick Dampier, who was released a day earlier by Charlotte in a luxury-tax move, a person with knowledge of the situation told CBSSports.com.

 

Dampier can't officially arrange a visit with the Heat until he clears waivers, but it is believed that Heat president Pat Riley views Dampier as a key supporting piece to add to his new Big Three of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh. Dampier, 35, would be an upgrade over Joel Anthony and Jamaal Magloire and would fill the final missing role for Miami's championship run.

 

Miami can only offer Dampier the veteran's minimum of about $1.4 million, but it is believed that Dampier is open to accepting less money for the chance to compete for a championship. Among the handful of teams with the full mid-level exception of $5.8 million available, the only potential championship contender is Dallas -- and a reunion with the Mavericks is difficult to fathom. Other teams that have expressed interest are Houston, Toronto and New Jersey, with the Rockets apparently hottest in their pursuit.

 

The Bobcats released Dampier Wednesday to get out from under his non-guaranteed $13 million salary. Part of the concern, according to a source, was being on the hook for Dampier's salary if he got injured.

 

http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/24605072

 

Seeking additional center depth with Yao Ming on a strict playing time limit, the Rockets have offered free agent center Erick Dampier a two-year, $4 million contract, a person with knowledge of the offer said on Wednesday.

 

Dampier, who was waived by the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday, is also expected to consider a minimum contract offer from the Miami Heat and an offer from the Memphis Grizzlies.

 

The Rockets are also in talks with Utah Jazz restricted free agent center Kyrylo Fesenko, though the Jazz are expected to match the sort of salary-cap exception offer the Rockets could make.

 

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey would not confirm that the team has made any offers.

 

“We’re happy with our group, but we’re constantly looking at good players if they become available,” Morey said. “There are some bigs that might be available. Mr. (Leslie) Alexander has approved spending money, but anything happening would be a long shot.”

 

Dampier, 35, averaged six points and 7.3 rebounds for Dallas last season, his 14th. Fesenko, 23, averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in 8.3 minutes per game last season.

 

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/7202878.html

[Nitro]

Isn't that what they signed Brad Miller for?

[Real Deal]

Fesenko??? Oh no...bad idea.

[moeroadkill]

damp.

[YugoRocketsFan]

I dont mind Damp, he has experience and can rebound. 3 true options at center will be nice.

Edited September 16, 2010 by Yugosaurus

[Dash]

I dont mind Damp, he has experience and can rebound. 3 true options at center will be nice.

 

Ditto although Fesenko wouldn't be a bad project big to have. The minutes with Damp in the lineup would be split as so:

 

Yao (24) / Dampier (12) / Miller (12)

 

Not bad but I don't why Dampier would choose us over Miami. Hate to see Chuck go back to the IR after playing so hard as a starter last year too and why did we invest $15+ million in Brad if he wasn't going to be playing 20 minutes a night?

[Newman]

The Rockets are better off just using Chuck Hayes behind Miller as the 3rd C unless Yao is out completely.

[Dash]

Sort of an update: Dan Fegan, agent for Fesenko and Dampier, reportedly will talk to Morey today.

 

HOUSTON - Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has expressed interest in free agent center Erick Dampier and Utah Jazz restricted free agent center Kyrylo Fesenko.

 

Dampier, 35, was waived by the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday.

 

"I plan to speak to Daryl (Thursday)," said Dan Fegan, Dampier's agent, in an interview with FOX 26 Sports.

 

Dampier played with the Dallas Mavericks the last six years and is a 14-year veteran.

 

During the 2009-2010 season he averaged six points and 7.3 rebounds a game.

 

NBA sources told FOX 26 Sports the Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors are also expressing interest in Dampier.

 

Fesenko, 23, averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in limited minutes.

 

Morey has not been available for comment.

 

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/sports/nba/100915-rockets-express-interest-in-dampier-and-fesenko

 

Also it was reported by one of the posters at clutchfans that Morey met with Fesenko at a restuarant earlier today. However, this was never confirmed.

[Real Deal]

I just don't see why Houston wants to bring in Dampier OR Fesenko, when they have one of the best defensive centers in the league in Chuck Hayes. Even though both are legit bigs, I would still trust Hayes against any other big man in the league over those guys.

[Sun Tzu]

Chuck Hayes and Brad Miller are both capable enough of playing back up unless they are assuming Yao may get injured later on in the season.

[YugoRocketsFan]

Chuck Hayes and Brad Miller are both capable enough of playing back up unless they are assuming Yao may get injured later on in the season.

 

You always need insurance, remember that. Last season we really had no legit 7 footer.

[Dash]

Well with Miami out of the running for Dampier, Houston is beginning to appear as the favorites to land him but Damps has been taking his time. According to an insider If Fesenko doesn't get an answer from Houston this weekend then he's probably going to take Utah's qualifying offer.