Dampier An All-Star?

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Mavericks have made a big push trying to make sure Josh Howard earns a berth on the Western Conference All-Star team. Now comes word that Erick Dampier might be there, also.

And if Dampier makes it, he will be halfway toward making the final year of his seven-year, $73 million contract guaranteed.

Houston's Yao Ming was voted by the fans as the starting center for the West. Injuries, though, will prevent Yao from playing, leaving the West with just one center, assuming that Phoenix center Amare Stoudemire makes the roster as a reserve.

Dampier was third in the voting among the centers, which could give him the inside track on making the team.

"I heard that if the league decides if they're going to go with a real center to replace Yao, then it's between Damp and [Utah's Mehmet] Okur," Mavs owner Mark Cuban said. "So we're making the calls, and we're making the push, because I'd love to see Damp there, because it would be good for him."

The final year of Dampier's contract -- the 2010-11 season -- is worth $13.075 million, and it will be guaranteed if he makes the All-Star team twice.

"I don't have any control over who makes the All-Star team," Dampier said. "Whoever makes that final say-so, we'll know [tonight].

"The only thing I can do is politick."

Howard's chances of making the All-Star team improved Wednesday when it was announced that Utah forward Carlos Boozer will be sidelined for approximately a month because of a hairline fracture in his fibula. However, since Boozer can't play, Okur could beat out Dampier if the league's wish is to make sure the Northwest Division-leading Jazz has at least one representative in the game.

The All-Star reserves will be announced live on TNT tonight at 6:30.
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