Erick Dampier Kept Himself In Great Shape During The Lockout

The signing of Erick Dampier, a 36-year old center last season on the Miami Heat's inactive list during the 2011 playoffs, is hardly the type of move likely to excite the Hawks fan base.

Never the most skilled player, Dampier made nearly $100 million in his NBA career because of his size and athleticism as an interior defender. But after sitting out the first two months of the season, it appears size is all he has left:

Erick Dampier looks to be pushing 300 pds. Larry Drew: "He's not in best of shape. Still, his size is presence in middle."

— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) February 9, 2012

As Drew alluded to, the only reason Dampier is on the roster is to take up space in a match-up with Dwight Howard, and hey, six hard fouls from a 6'11 300 pounder will probably hurt.