Mavs Plan To Start Drew Gooden At Center

   Earlier this week, reflecting on GM Donnie Nelson’s hint that Erick Dampier might come off the bench, I suggested that Damp is “still the guy to beat.’’

   Well, consider Erick Dampier beaten.

   I now know three things:

   One: Damp is bothered by Donnie’s statement.

   Two: Drew Gooden is telling me he what he bring “to the team is rebounding, being physical and active out there, running the floor … you best believe … I’ll be giving them some speed and athletic ability.’’

   Three: Rick Carlisle just now revealed that the plans are indeed to start newcomer Gooden at the 5.

   “Our plan is to start Gooden at center on most nights,’’ Carlisle tells Norm on The Ticket.

    Wait. … what?

    Later, Donnie softened those specifics by indicating that maybe he was referring to the squad’s improved versatility and visualizing the game-closing fivesome.

   And the scene was just a bit uncomfortable, because while Dampier wasn’t part of the Monday press conference, he was in attendance, having come upstairs from yet another basement workout to view the festivities.

    And he was not pleased.

    So who is the Mavs’ starter at center? Nelson hints and Gooden and Carlisle out-and-out stays it.

    “Things can change by (the opening game),’’ Carlisle said. (And) when we play a guy like Shaq, Damp will probably start. …’’

    The coach went on to say that Kris Humphries can also play some 5, and heck, if they’re going to grab-bag it like this, there are a number of other roster members who – like Gooden – are something other than classic centers who might be playing some center.

     Gooden brings some unique qualities to the table, as an offensive weapon, as a finisher, as a skilled “junk man.’’ He does run well, and he does rebound well (though his success in that department has come largely at the 3 and 4.)

    What Erick Dampier now brings? Something off the bench. … and a history of responding well to having a fire lit under his butt.