ASK IRA: Is it time to start Dampier?

Q: Big Z clearly needs to be replaced. I like having Joel and his energy coming off the bench, so why not have Dampier start? He has more size, is a much better defender, and honestly you’re not losing much, if any, offense with him on the floor instead of Ilgauskas. — Kevin. A: Actually, you lose the pick-and-pop game without Z, and that would have the defense packing the paint even more against Bosh, LeBron and Dwyane. That was the problem with having Joel start, that no one stepped out to defend him. Q: Saturday’s game showed that Coach Spo needs to adopt a flexible center rotation. Al Horford is an unusually small and quick center, yet he continued to start Big Z. Here’s my idea: What if Big Z goes back to being a bench player (his offense is needed on the bench right now) permanently and they either start Joel Anthony or Erick Dampier depending on who they play? — Dan. A: I actually think Erik too often plays to other team’s lineups and is tr...