30 Greatest Dallas Mavericks players in franchise history

25. Erick Dampier

Fans may question Dampier’s inclusion in this list when they view his stats and oversized contract. Dallas acquired him in 2004 after a career year in Golden State where they agreed to pay him $73 million over seven years in a sign-and-trade. The final year never happened, but the Mavericks made the 6’11 big man an extremely rich man.

Did Dampier live up to that contract? No, but he averaged 6.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 24.4 minutes per game over six years where the Mavericks made six playoff appearances. He played a key role in the team’s run to the 2006 NBA Finals, and the 6’11 big man was often underappreciated by fans.

Former general manager Donnie Nelson had this to say about Dampier in 2009.

"If you take him off this team, we're not going anywhere. I know in the locker room and in 29 other front offices he's appreciated. He's a true big man who can rebound and block shots. Those guys who have the experience that he's got are hard to find."

Erick Dampier is fourth in Mavericks history in blocks and seventh in rebounds. He is also seventh in blocks per game and tenth in rebounds each night. He was overpaid, but Dampier's screen-setting, rebounding, and rim protection were important to Dallas. Dampier is tied for 16th all-time by playing six seasons with the Mavs, and he has played the 17th most games for the franchise.

The Mavs traded Dampier to Charlotte in 2010 as part of the package for Tyson Chandler, who was the team’s starting center on their 2011 championship squad. Dampier played two more years in the NBA after the deal before retiring in 2012.