Marcin Gortat Height: 6-11

Weight: 240 lbs.

Age: 33

NBA Experience: 10 years

Nickname: The Polish Hammer; The Polish Machine

By the Numbers:

Games Played: 82

Games Started: 82

Total Minutes: 2556 (31.2 MPG)

Points: 883 (10.8 PPG)

Assists: 121 (1.5 APG)

Rebounds: 849 (10.4 RPG)

Steals: 40 (0.5 SPG)

Blocks: 65 (0.8 BPG)

Field goals: 390-674 (.579)

Free throws: 103-159 (.648)

3-pointers: 0-2 (.000)

Turnovers: 118

PER: 15.5

Nothing made me happier than watching every Wizards game start with a lefty jump-hook from Marcin Gortat to take the lid off the hoop. Marc provided a solid go to for every game, and the stats prove it. Averaging a double-double with 11 points, and 10 rebounds a game Gortat held down the post in Washington with ease. He was also good for a clutch block every once in a while #GTFOrtat. For a period of time Gortat was one of the top five rebounders in the league with eleven boards a night. Not to mention being top three in the playoffs only behind Deandre Jordan and Russel Westbrook.

What makes Gortat the player he has become is what you do not see on the stat sheet. Marcin Gortat is, by my and most Wizards fans standards, the best screener in the league. The John Wall/Marcin Gortat pick and roll connection was automatic night in and night out. Having that option helped the Wizards win many a game. It became increasingly exciting when Wall started throwing lobs off of the screen, and we got to see some Gortat Hammers. Gortat’s most important attribute was his toughness. The oldest player on the roster, Gortat was one of the only players IN THE LEAGUE to play every single game. Marc prided himself on not missing a single practice, shoot around, or game. That in itself makes Gortat invaluable.

Season Takeaways

• Gortat may not have done much on paper, but he played a key role on this team. First and foremost, he was a screener/rebounder. Gortat provided consistency and proficiency on both ends of the floor which paved the way for the Wizards to both run the floor and get easy pick and roll buckets in time of need.

• Marc is the type of teammate everyone wants. When rookie Tomas Satoransky either scored or made a nice pass Gortat was the first off the bench every time. The same goes for his support of Keef Morris. Morris was under strict criticism from the media and Gortat stood up and made sure his talent was appreciated. He even dubbed themselves to be the “Phoenix Outlaws” as they both came from the Suns to Washington.

• Veteran leadership, something the Wizards are lacking. John Wall and Bradley Beal pretty much cover the leadership factor, but who is the veteran in the locker room? With Paul Pierce and Jared Dudley leaving the team Gortat was left as the elder statesmen with twelve seasons, followed by John with seven and Brad with five respectively. With many young players on the team, having that role model is priceless.

What's next?

There is no doubt Gortat is valuable and the Wizards should start doing everything they can now to keep him. Gortat is set to make $12.7 and $13.5 million in the next two seasons. During his exit interview Gortat mentioned discussing his options with his agent. Gortat has a good contract for what he provides, and the Wizards front office should not take advantage of it. Marc is a valuable piece that should be kept for as long as he can produce.

The best of Gortat off the court.

Gortat is a large advocate for his homeland Poland. Ironically, as it is pictured on a court, my favorite off the court moment for Gortat is his interaction with Polish fans after Polish heritage night at the Verizon Center. I had the pleasure of seeing this first hand, and it was evident that Gortat loved the fans just as much as they love him. Speaks to his strong character, and dedication to where he is from.

The best of Gortat on the court.