Miami Heat Set To Sign Erick Dampier: Who Should They Release?

According to multiple reports, the Miami Heat will sign free agent center Erick Dampier on Tuesday to a one-year contract pending a physical.

Dampier, who once was thought to be joining Miami months ago, will provide a much needed boost on the boards and in the paint. Not only is he  a physical defensive presence with a very strong 6-11, 265 pound frame, but he scores at a highly efficient 60 percent clip as well.

He is a great rebounder and shot blocker who would likely immediately join the Heat’s big man rotation pending his conditioning status.

The move comes hours after Udonis Haslem underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments in his foot, placing him on the bench indefinitely. 

Who to cut?

The problem now is who to cut. Do they release Jamaal Magloire, who provided a nice post presence on the defensive end tonight against the Pacers? Maybe.  Do they part with rookie Dexter Pittman? I hope not. What about Jerry Stackhouse?

The best move in my mind is to release Stackhouse. He hasn’t played much in Mike Miller’s absence. What’s the point of holding onto him, especially considering Miller should return in a few weeks.

If the Heat don’t want to get rid of Stackhouse, they can choose to release Magloire. They could then always re-sign him later in the season if they desire. He isn’t likely to sign with another team anyway and Dampier is essentially a better version of Magloire.

Releasing a promising rookie like Pittman would definitely be a foolish move.

CBS Sports was the first to report the imminent signing.

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