Aug. 25, 1999
SportsLine wire reports

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Center Erick Dampier, perhaps the most attractive big man in a shallow free agent market, re-signed a multiyear contract with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

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No other terms were disclosed. Dampier was a 1996 first-round pick and a free agent for the first time in his career. The 6-foot-11 center has averaged 10.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.49 blocks in 132 games over two seasons with the Warriors.

"We're elated to have re-signed Erick -- obviously one of our top offseason priorities -- and make him an integral part of our futuire," Warriors general manager Garry St. Jean said. "He has been a solid contributor to our club for the last two seasons and we believe he has a bright future ahead of him."

With the combination of his youth and skills, Dampier, 25, was among the best available free agent centers. Others included Michael Stewart, Greg Foster, Will Perdue and fellow 1996 draftee Samaki Walker.

Dampier was selected 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers in 1996. He averaged only 5.1 points as a rookie and was traded on August 12, 1997 with Duane Ferrell to Golden State for Chris Mullin.

Dampier averaged 11.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in the 1997-98 campaign but his numbers dropped to 8.8 and 7.6 last season. Nevertheless, he became the first Warrior to play in every game in consecutive seasons since Rod Higgins did it from 1989-91.

The Warriors have been somewhat quiet in the offseason. The day before the draft, they acquired guard Mookie Blaylock from Atlanta for guard Bimbo Coles and Ferrell while swapping first-round picks. They used that selection on center Jeff Foster and dealt him to Indiana for guard Vonteego Cummings.