Another step: Limited contact for Dampier

Erick Dampier’s rehab from offseason shoulder surgery took another positive step today with limited contact work in practice. Up to this point, Dampier had only been cleared to do certain drills and conditioning.

“I can’t tell a lot from only doing a little bit, but it feels better,” Dampier said. “We’ll continue to strengthen it and see how it feels after practice tomorrow.”

Suddenly, the prospects at center seem a whole lot better behind Gana Diop. DJ Mbenga, coming off knee surgery, got into the final preseason game after sitting out the first seven. There isn’t a timetable on Dampier’s return, but since he hasn’t experienced any setbacks, optimism abounds.