Erick Dampier: Can He Replace Udonis Haslem for Miami Heat?

ESPN is reporting that the only thing delaying the Miami Heat's signing of Erick Dampier—to fill the gap left by the injured Udonis Haslem—is the staff deciding who to drop from their full 15-man roster.

Haslem had emerged as one of the most consistent players on a Heat roster that has been criticised for its lack of depth beyond their Big Three. It is unsure how long Haslem will be out after tearing a ligament in his foot against Memphis, though estimates have ranged from a minimum of six weeks to the possibility he may not return until the All-Star break in February. 

With Haslem sidelined, the Heat need a dominating force who can make up for his eight rebounds. Dampier could bring an on-court big man presence that Chris Bosh cannot offer.

Dampier is not an All-Star, but the Heat have enough former All-Stars on their team to suffice. The centre spent six years playing for the Dallas Mavericks, before being traded to the Charlotte Bobcats in July and subsequently waived in September. 

Dampier had already tried out for the Heat, who believed before the season that Joel Anthony, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Jamaal Magloire could suffice at center. But after a disappointing beginning to the season and the loss of the team's primary rebounder in Haslem, Dampier looks like he may be able to bring something to the team.

Dampier's has averaged 7.4 rebounds and 1.46 blocks per game throughout his career. He won't be much of a scoring presence, though the Heat don't need another high scorer. He is also a 14-year veteran and yet to win a ring, so he may want to finish his career on a high note, get better career statistics and try to get a title if he goes to Miami and plays hard, though this is pure speculation.

Despite reports that Miami is Dampier's first choice location, and that the team is interested in him, it is no forgone conclusion that he will end up there. Apparently, the Lakers have also made offers to the centre to replace the injured Andrew Bynum. 

Even when Udonis Haslem returns, Erick Dampier could be a very valuable player, as the veteran centre can not only put up reasonable numbers when necessary. However, Dampier can deal with dominating power players, which Miami has had difficulty with in recent games.