The Suns are likely to add a big man or two in the near future.

Among the candidates is center Scott Williams, who played for the Suns for a season-and-a-half and was popular with teammates. Williams was released by the Suns in January.

The Suns also have inquired about the most high-profile big man available this summer, center Erick Dampier, who played for the Golden State Warriors and is now a free agent. (Reports are the Warriors may be trying to work a sign-and-trade deal to send Dampier to Dallas).

"We have inquired about Dampier multiple times regarding a sign-and-trade and have not come up with any scenarios contractually or trade- wise that make sense for us," club president Bryan Colangelo said by email from Greece, where he is attending the Olympic Games.

Dampier had a breakout year last season, but carries a reputation as a high-maintenance, injury-prone player. The Suns would likely be more interested in him if they could get him for a contract of three years or so, instead of six or seven years.

For more coverage of Phoenix sports, be sure to visit eastvalleytribune.com

Any deal involving Dampier likely would involve the Suns’ Zarko Cabarkapa, who is said to be liked by Warriors executive Chris Mullin. If this doesn’t work out, then Williams and another journeyman-type center likely would be the route the club takes.

AMERICANS IN ATHENS

Like most Americans who follow basketball, Colangelo was disappointed by the rout of the American men’s basketball team by Puerto Rico in the Olympics. But Colangelo has more of an interest than most. He is on the committee that helped select the team. Colangelo was asked for his reaction to the team’s performance and its seeming lack of perimeter shooters. Said Colangelo, referring to the many players who refused a spot on the team (only Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson remain from the original nine), "We were faced with very difficult circumstances putting this team together and considered many players, including shooters, along the way.

"Needless to say, I am not alone in my disappointment of our performances thus far. We feel we are better than what we have shown and feel that better team play will lead to better chemistry, more confidence and a better chance to win.

"Keep in mind we are playing certain countries that spend much more time together, including year-to-year competitions."

COPYRIGHT 2004, EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE. Used with permission.