Post by Dan on Jun 10, 2007 13:06:57 GMT -5
Thirty year old veteran Erick Dampier has recently made his way back to the city of Portland where just a few years ago he solidified the 5 spot on the team. “It feels great to be back in Portland, I love the fans here, and the organization was really good to me in the past.” In 2000, Dampier joined the Blazers, but was riddled with injuries through half the season. He still contributed with a 15.7 ppg, 9.2 rpg, and 1.5 bpg through 59 games. Along side Vet Arvydas Sabonis, Erick learned a lot. Sabonis was a great mentor for Erick as he played his game toward the aging vet. The two played well together and both become good friends. In the off season, Sabonis retired and it was time for Erick too blossom into the star he was born to be.
In 2001, the Blazers had their finest season yet in BBS with a 47-35 record. Dampier was teamed up with Ron Artest, Larry Hughes and Steve Nash, all enjoying great careers today. Through 80 games he had 14.1 ppg, a new career high in rebounds, 10.4 and a career high in blocks, 1.7. Though after this season the Blazers changed their team around drastically, Dampier, was sent to Dallas where he created a new offensive game. Now back with Blazers two seasons later, Dampier looks to take all his skills and really help this team to a playoff run.
It has been a few seasons since the Blazers were in the playoffs; actually the last time they were in the playoffs was with Dampier. GM Dan Basone remembered what he did for this team and hopes he can do it again. “I really love the addition of Erick to this team; he brings experience and a lot of energy, something we need badly.” The Blazers are currently 2.5 games out of the 8th seed in the playoffs. Since the addition of Dampier the Blazers are 8-7, the best run so far this season, we shall see how things turn out.
Mark Kelley reporting from Portland.
In 2001, the Blazers had their finest season yet in BBS with a 47-35 record. Dampier was teamed up with Ron Artest, Larry Hughes and Steve Nash, all enjoying great careers today. Through 80 games he had 14.1 ppg, a new career high in rebounds, 10.4 and a career high in blocks, 1.7. Though after this season the Blazers changed their team around drastically, Dampier, was sent to Dallas where he created a new offensive game. Now back with Blazers two seasons later, Dampier looks to take all his skills and really help this team to a playoff run.
It has been a few seasons since the Blazers were in the playoffs; actually the last time they were in the playoffs was with Dampier. GM Dan Basone remembered what he did for this team and hopes he can do it again. “I really love the addition of Erick to this team; he brings experience and a lot of energy, something we need badly.” The Blazers are currently 2.5 games out of the 8th seed in the playoffs. Since the addition of Dampier the Blazers are 8-7, the best run so far this season, we shall see how things turn out.
Mark Kelley reporting from Portland.