Why does Amir start?

[Vegas Green]

Serious question.

Unfortunately I don't get a chance to watch many games.

I know the other options aren't stellar, but...

[Diggles]

Because he can stretch the d better than Zeller.   That slow 3 hit  tonight, plus it drew Mr offensive rebounding machine TT out of the paint.....    #fact.  Saw it happen a couple times tonight.     He plays consistent solid D.   KO is better playing off the bench with the second unit.......    Amir does not need as many touches with the first unit, so he fits nicely in with the starting unit.    He only plays 15/20 a night anyway. 

[Csfan1984]

Team needs KO's offense off the bench as well no one else is that much better over him. Shows how weak the teams "skilled" bigs are.

[MBunge]

Part of it makes sense.  Amir is able to defend power forwards and centers and can block shots and the others starters theoretically don't need any more offense.

Part of it doesn't.  There have been stretches over the last two seasons where Amir has looked absolutely cooked while KO at the same time has looked good.  It's like Zeller being the first big off the bench against Cleveland.  It kind of defies explanation.

But at least Stevens has gotten better this season of recognizing when Amir has nothing to offer and drastically cutting his minutes.

Mike

[CelticPride2016]

Because when he is healthy, Amir Johnson is our second best big. It's not even close.

If Amir is aging or hurt, that's why he is disappointing. Otherwise he is a proven NBA big. I pray for Johnson all the time. We are going nowhere without him, same with Jaylen. Maybe he is replaced by Zizic next year. But I am conceding nothing until we lose the fourth game in a seven game series. Maybe we won't. Negative people are a drag.

[RockinRyA]

Because Jerebko is in a slump.

[colincb]

Because his career Defensive Box +/- is 53rd best all-time, his career overall Box +/- is 89th best, and his career eFG% is 5th best. He's an advanced stats darling and always has been for the stuff people don't notice.