Dampier says the right things

[bobbyfg7]

This is what I wanted to hear from Damp. Really hope RC can find a happy medium for these two big guys.

Dampier: 'We both just want to win.'
by Jeff Caplan

DALLAS -- Erick Dampier still isn't sure when he'll be cleared to practice, but he made progress Sunday night when the bulky brace he's worn the last two weeks to protect his healing dislocated right middle finger came off for good.

The 6-foot-11 center's long finger is now wrapped in a bandage from knuckle to knuckle. Six stitches remain inside the surgically repaired finger and another six remain outside.

"The next step is trying to get full range of motion," Dampier said.

When Dampier is ready to return to action, don't expect a controversy to flare up as to whether Dampier should regain his starting job from Brendan Haywood. The newly acquired 7-foot center has fit in quickly and seamlessly in his first eight games, averaging 11.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in 34 minutes. Haywood has been terrific catching passes from Jason Kidd and finishing with authority. He's already recorded a 20-rebound game, he had five blocks against the Lakers and is averaging nearly four offensive boards a game.

Dampier, who was averaging 7.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 26.4 minutes before suffering the gruesome injury in the first game back from the All-Star break, said he'll abide by coach Rick Carlisle's decision, even if it means the 14th-year center, who has started all 39 games he's played this season, is asked to come off the bench.

"It doesn't matter," Dampier said. "We both just want to win."

The Mavericks (39-21) take a league-best seven-game win streak into Charlotte (28-29) for a 6 p.m. tip tonight. Haywood will make his seventh consecutive start.

Easing the transition for the two big men is their past relationship and respect for one another. The two have worked together for four summers at the Clifford Ray and Robert Parrish Big Man's Camp in Bradenton, Fla. When Dampier is asked about his fellow headband-wearing center's hot start while Dampier is helplessly sidelined, Dampier sounds wholeheartedly genuine when he says he's happy for Haywood and not surprised.

During timeouts, the always nattily attired Dampier is often seen talking with Haywood, who has come in level-headed and said he's looking forward to Dampier's eventual return.

This wouldn't be the first time Dampier lost his starting job. In 2005-06, Avery Johnson turned to a younger, more agile DeSagana Diop. It was Diop who started in the 2006 Finals against Shaquille O'Neal. Dampier eventually won the starting job back the next season and has kept it since.

Dampier knows his sixth season with Dallas could be his last. He hears the high praise Haywood has received for his early work and understands that the 30-year-old who spent eight-plus seasons in relative obscurity in Washington could ultimately replace him on the roster.

But, Dampier also recognizes the direction the team is headed since the trade. He reiterates his desire to compete for a championship and said he'll approach his return and Carlisle's decision the same way he's always approached his long career.

"Low ego," Dampier said.