Erick Dampier Agrees to One-Year Deal With Rockets

Veteran center Erick Dampier has agreed to sign a one-year deal with Houston, his agent Dan Fegan told FanHouse.

Dampier, the 35-year-old who was waived by Charlotte on Sept. 14 so the Bobcats could avoid paying the $13 million in nonguaranteed salary he would have earned this season, is being signed by way of the team's bi-annual exception worth approximately $2 million.

The Rockets must do some juggling before the agreement can be made official, as they already have 15 players on their roster. A source close to the situation tells FanHouse Dampier is expected to take the roster spot of Jermaine Taylor, who will be dealt shortly to the highest bidder.

"Erick made a decision that he would like to play for the Houston Rockets, and that feeling is mutual," Fegan told FanHouse. "Hopefully Daryl Morey is able to create a roster spot."

Dampier, whose decision was first reported by Hoopsworld, is a key addition for a Rockets team that needs all the big men it can get because of Yao Ming's unique status. The 7-foot-6 veteran missed all of last season after undergoing left foot surgery in the summer of 2009, and he is being held, per doctor's orders, to a 24-minute-per-game limit as a precautionary measure. What's more, Yao is sitting out entirely on the second night of back-to-back games.

That leaves veterans Brad Miller and Chuck Hayes to fill the role when he's gone. Miller's value is tied to his knowledge of coach Rick Adelman's offensive system, his outside range, his passing ability and his chemistry with shooting guard Kevin Martin. But he has been a defensive liability for years and, thus, is the exact opposite of Hayes.

At 6-6, the six-year veteran Hayes is one of the best undersized defenders in the game, but his offensive skills are limited and -- more to the point -- Adelman entered the season determined not to use him as a center anymore.

Enter Dampier, who told FanHouse recently that he considered between "eight to 10 teams" and opted to go where he was most needed. In the end, his decision came down to the Rockets and Toronto Raptors. He had been prepared to join Miami before the Heat opted against adding him, and was also pursued by -- that we know of -- Milwaukee, Portland and Phoenix.

He will give the Rockets a more conventional option down low, as his presence will be a boon on the defensive end and he can certainly finish the many opportunities that will come his way when defensive attention is paid to the likes of Martin, point guard Aaron Brooks and forward Luis Scola.

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