Dampier would bolster Heat's depth, chemistry issues and all

It might have been the most hated hour in the history of television, but I couldn’t help but rewatch LeBron’s Decision last week during routine maintenance of my DVR.

I fast forwarded through LeBron’s snoozer, instead revisiting the stunned analysts’ take on James’ impending move to Miami.

Jon Barry, as many remember, was a hater. He looked shell shocked, unwilling to admit that a trio of James, Wade and Bosh could dominate the league. 

His answer was that the Heat would be hard pressed to fill a quality roster around him. (I spoke to Papa Rick Barry the day LeBron signed, and Rick thought James was a genius to come to Miami. Rick might have a jerky reputation around the league, but I'll take his opinion over his son's).  

Fast forward a few more months, and Jon Barry’s claims are laughable: Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Eddie House, James Jones. It’s not the best supporting cast in the NBA, but it’s a quality bench that should more than suit the Heat’s need.  

Now comes a Sun Sentinel report that Miami could land Erick Dampier, Mississippi State’s former NCAA Tournament hero (yes, we’re in the way back machine here) who was waived by the Bobcats today.

So Dampier’s available, which would give the Heat even more firepower, or an anvil, but it could work. Dampier could come cheap and you'd imagine would love to compete for a championship.

It seems like a no-brainer on both ends, but the Sentinel's Ira Winderman makes a few solid points: Big Z came to Miami for playing time, the Heat are trying to develop Joel Anthony, and chemistry could deteriorate with Dampier. Not that there is any chemistry yet because training camp hasn't even started. 

This is a business, and nobody knows like that Pat Riley. If Ilgauskas or Anthony are hurt, Riley needs to hand them a hanky, a paycheck and then go look himself in the mirror and tell himself -- for the fifth time that morning -- how gangster he is for destroying NBA parity within league guidelines. 

Take a look at Dampier’s playoff numbers with Dallas last year (the Mavericks acquired Brendan Haywood midseason). In 24 minutes, Dampier averaged just 1 point, 6.6 rebounds and a block.

On the season, he averaged 6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

Joel Anthony, in just under 16 minutes, averaged 2.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks.

The verdict? This is a tough one, but I say roll with Dampier with the understanding that he is just one of three centers who could receive playing time. At times, none of the three centers would be in the lineup, with Bosh manning the middle.

Nothing’s guaranteed and Anthony could land the starting gig.

Although Anthony’s block numbers are impressive, he’s shown little on the glass, even less on offense, and  he didn’t impress much in the World Games for Canada.

That’s not to say Anthony can’t develop, and he finds himself in the perfect opportunity to grow with a Heat team where all he’ll have to do is rebound, block and play defense.  

But the Heat want a massive frontcourt to compete with Boston. They should force the Celtics to run and play their style of ball, but it wouldn’t hurt to add more beef to the lineup to matchup with Boston. 

Unless the Heat have plans for a talented swingman we don’t know about (Jerry Stackhouse doesn’t cut it), add Dampier and Erik Spolestra will find the dynamic that works.