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It’s a non-issue, and don’t worry. As long as the Mavericks are winning, it won’t become an issue.
Not when it comes to splitting playing time between Erick Dampier and Drew Gooden.But there’s a bigger picture that needs to be examined. The more games that Dampier continues to pile up numbers like Tuesday’s against Houston, the tougher it’s going to be to sit him.That said, there’s no way the franchise allows Dampier to reach the minutes-threshold incentive that would trigger guaranteeing the final year of his seven-year contract at more than $13 million.Ain’t gonna happen.But imagine the uncomfortable situation if Dampier keeps rolling up numbers like the 14 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks (while going 6-of-6 from the field and 2-of-2 from the line) he had against the Rockets.How can you not put that kind of production on the court when you really need it?Dampier is not lacking motivation this season. He would tell you he never lacks motivation. But if he needed even more, he was left off the All-Star ballot, which was released Tuesday.While Dampier was on the court, which was for 33 minutes against the Rockets, the Mavericks were a plus-20.Hard to argue with that — if it keeps happening consistently. And if it does, it’s going to be important to continue to watch as those minutes accumulate. — Eddie Sefko
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