Erick Dampier Not So Hot: Miami Heat Say No Thanks to the Veteran Center

Coming off as a shock to some, the Miami Heat have decided to move on from the Erick Dampier route and instead will move forward with their current big men, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Joel Anthony, Jamaal Magloire, and rookie Dexter Pittman.

Yesterday the popular belief was that Dampier was almost a sure addition to the Heat, with news of his meeting with general manager Pat Riley. The word in Miami is also that Dampier had recently purchased a condo in the area.

At least he has a nice vacation spot now.

In denying the 35-year-old center, this move shows that Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra are confident with their current lineup.

Many of the Heat's doubters center their skepticism around the Heat's presence down low, but the Heat personnel obviously feel that their three current big men can get the job done.

Anthony has certainly proved to be a quality defender in his time in the league, and Ilgauskas has shown over his lengthy career that he can pose a legitimate scoring threat when on the floor. Magloire has also proved to be a physical force to be reckoned with in the post.

Don't forget about forward Udonis Haslem, who has at times played in the center spot.

Passing on Dampier keeps the Heat roster at 18 players currently under contract. Three of those players will be cut before the season begins.

The team will be heading to Eglin Airforce base in Fort Walton Beach to open up training camp on Tuesday of next week.