Dampier and da Bulls

Does Erik Dampier want to play for the NY Knicks?

No.

He doesn't like pressure and scrutiny. NY will be a pressure cooker and they'll want him to perform 12 pts and 12 rebounds every night. Dampier isn't as good as his statistics indicate - more importantly, he had one breakout season - this season where he averaged 12 and 12.

Do the GSW want him back? Not at 10M/year in a long term contract. I think GSW has had enough of him or at least had enough of him at the price he wants.

GSW resigned his backup, A. Foyle to ~8M/year. Foyle had much poorer statistics than Dampier but GSW wanted him. Why? Dampier fades in-and-out and sometimes totally disappears in games. He often plays down to the competition. GSW are looking for team guys and character. Dampier seems moody and sensitive to criticism. I think GSW GM Chris Mullin wants guys who are tough and coachable rather than guys with statstics and athleticism.

Dampier may go to NY if Atlanta doesn't offer him a large contract and GSW can find some combination of players.

Thomas will still try to sign Crawford but only after Dampier signs elsewhere and Thomas is left with fewer options and a lot of pressure to improve.

This means with NY wanting J.Crawford, Paxson is in the driver's seat.