A shakeup in the starting rotation?

Finally some news to dig into. It has been slow…very slow. This bit of news is much more significant than the unveiling of newly redesigned alternate jerseys. This is actually a bit of information that could spark a debate with a fellow MFFL. This is a sign that meaningful basketball is just around the corner.

Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle made an appearance today on the Norm Hitzges Show on Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket and proceeded to break some news about the rotation. Carlisle told Hitzges that he plans to start Drew Gooden at center “on most nights.” This, of course, means that Erick Dampier will be coming off the bench.

Carlisle went on to say that who starts could change based on matchups. I guess this means that Damp will get the nod against the “traditional” centers and Gooden will the nod against the Amare types.

I’m not sure why Carlisle waited until today to let us know what he had in mind for the starting rotation. Monday’s presser seemed like a nice platform to break the news…especially considering the fact that Gooden was sitting at the same table only a few feet away. Nonetheless, the news is out which means it is time for reaction.

Damp has been in the starting lineup for 309 of his 369 regular season games with Mavs. I wouldn’t have been surprised if Gortat had supplanted Damp as the starter but hearing that Gooden was the man caught me off guard. I know Damp is far from a fan favorite but he is the best center on the team…it’s not hard to be the best when you are the only.

So…is it really a good idea to bring Damp off the bench?

It’s not a terrible idea…as long as Damp continues to play 25 minutes per game (he has averaged 24.7 mpg since joining the Mavs). I think it’s important to have someone with Damp’s size on the floor for at least half of the game. If Gooden can prove that he is serviceable at the five, he adds some much needed versatility to this rotation. If being the key word.

Missing out on Gortat leaves the Mavs with a severe lack of big men. They will have to fill out the center rotation with a bunch of power forwards. Not what I had in mind.

Best case scenario: Getting demoted ticks Damp off and inspires him to have a career year.
Worst case scenario: Damp fades into Bolivian.

What do YOU think about Carlisle’s decision? Let me know and keep the weak stuff out of here.

Until next time…

Peace. Be good.

Tags: 1310 The Ticket, Dallas Cowboys, Drew Gooden, Erick Dampier, Marcin Gortat, Norm Hitzges, Rick Carlisle