ESPN’s Chad Ford wrote an article this week titled Top Big Men on the Block, i.e. Power Forwards and Centers available for trades. Top names listed include Amare Stoudemire, Raef LaFrentz, Tyson Chandler, Shaq, Brad Miller, Chris Bosh, Antawn Jamison, and the already traded Jermaine O’Neal.

Guess who ISN’T on the list. Go on. Guess. Which big man is NEVER a “top” big man or on the block for trades?

Answer: The supreme waste of $11.5 million, i.e. Erick Dampier.

This is the second article about Damp in recent history. Reason? So many talented players are available, and Dallas is stuck with this underachieving, no point scoring scaredy-cat, with big deer-in-the-headlight eyes, watching bigger AND smaller guys embarrass him in the paint.

No, Damp is never mentioned in trade rumors, and it’s not because of his value. Dampier is one of the least desirable centers in the league. After Shawn Bradley and Damp, perhaps we the people should no longer allow the Dallas front office to make decisions on big men. Think of all that money and opportunity wasted. Think of what Dirk Nowitzki could do with a REAL center to rebound, block shots, and score. Just imagine it.

Dirk is the leading rebounder on the team. His favorite shot is outside the paint. Where is the big man to get all the rebounds when Dirk and Terry miss? There isn’t anyone. Brandon Bass may be the best rebounding paint scorer on the team, and even Bass is more comfortable with a distance shot than powering to the hole.

We can only hope that Dallas will suck it up, trade for Shaq or Chandler, and bring in Dampier off the bench. Jason Kidd, Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard, Jason Terry/JJ Barea, and any of a number or REAL centers would make this look like a REAL playoff contender. Of course, to get Shaq or Chandler, Dallas might have to part with Josh Howard. There are definitely some issues at the 3 position without Howard. But a solid rebounding shooter makes every shot more likely to count, and Dallas could afford to experiment at the 3 with someone down low to give them second chance points.

Dampier is so expensive, though, Cuban obviously would hate to spend $10-20 million more for the same position. Winning costs, Mark, just like trading for ineffective players.

Dallas travels to Orlando to face the Magic and their most voted All-Star ever, Dwight Howard, tonight at 7pm ET. Dallas (27-19) isn’t likely ready to face a contender like Orlando (36-10). While the Magic may not be of Celtics or Lakers caliber just yet, their trio of All-Stars in Howard, Nelson, and Lewis should be more than enough to overwhelm the Mavericks on the road. Of course, miracles DO happen on occasion (though apparently not in the post-season), so the Mavs could pull off a surprise victory if they can somehow manage to limit Dwight Howard’s effectiveness in the paint.

I DID mention it would be a miracle, didn’t I? Dwight Howard has 36 double-doubles so far this year. That is definitely a best-in-league stat. And without Diop’s defensive agility at backup center, Dallas doesn’t look to have much hope in that department. Howard leads his team in scoring, rebounds, and blocks, and is the most voted All-Star ever for a reason. Who can really stop him?

Now, you haven’t yet benefitted from my take on Erick Dampier, but suffice it to say, Damp is a massive bump on a log. He played great during his contract year for Golden State. Since then, he’s been a big flop, contributing far fewer points and rebounds than one would expect from a player of his size and supposed strength. But ultimately, it’s in his eyes. That same questioning look that exudes lack of self-confidence we saw in Devin Harris for two years before being traded to New Jersey.

Keep in mind, Dallas doesn’t retain Dampier because he’s that good. He’s on this team because he was sorely overpaid and no team would be willing to take him in a trade. Therefore, Cuban and Donnie make sure he plays so they can do their damnedest to eek some value out of that mess we call “Damp.”

I’ve been listening to radio show guys talk about how badly the Mavericks need a 2 guard that can score at will. While that’s great, i’d take the front 4 any day if we had a serious option at the 5 spot. Give me 12 rebounds and 10 points a game from a starting center, and i’d be ecstatic. More importantly, the Mavericks would have what they’ve NEVER had: a post up threat. Obviously, Damp’s contract is trade prohibitive, but we can always dream.

Watch Damp’s eyes tonight. That deer in the headlights look you’ll notice throughout the game is one man’s fear and trembling because he’s in close proximity to a REAL NBA center. Be afraid, Damp. Be very afraid.

When Devin Harris scores more points than anyone on the Pistons team, what else really needs to be said? Dirk scored 23 points with 9 rebounds last night in the matchup against Detroit at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Devin finished with 19 points, besting Richard Hamilton’s 18.

Needless to say, the Pistons never took the lead again after the initial score of 2-0.

I’m still impressed by Dampier’s efforts this season. Someone somehow lit a fire under him. He’s playing better than he ever has in Dallas. Perhaps the playoff success of Gana Diop has something to do with it? Hmm… Whatever the case, I’m not complaining.

I called for Diop to start this year at Center. Of course, Avery Johnson didn’t give a rip about my opinion. It’s one of those deals where you realize you’ve spent too much money on a player you can’t easily replace. Luckily, Dampier has been a positive force on the team thus far, and that at least makes us all feel a little better about his ridiculous salary.