Marcin Gortat

by Geoausch on Jul 3, 2009 1:04 PM CDT

Thus far, the most compelling news of this NBA off-season has been the jail sentence of the Denver Nuggets' J.R. Smith. Out of all the adjectives in the English language, "underwhelming" best describes the Mavs draft picks--a Euro point guard, a mid-major project and a guard with potential who will spend a year in Greece. At first glance, I was equally unimpressed with the organizations interest in the 6-11 Marcin Gortat.

I'll be the first to admit, I don't watch much Orlando Magic basketball, and Gortat's 3 ppg and 4 rpg average doesn't instill a lot of confidence. However, Gortat got those numbers as a back-up, averaging 12.6 minutes per game; Erick Dampier averaged 5/7, as a starter, in 23.0 minutes per game, so if the numbers hold, Gortat wouldn't be much a drop off--production wise--from Dampier.

Perhaps the most exciting prospect Gortat brings is his youth. The Mavs looked old against the Nuggets and looked middle-aged against an ancient Spurs team. They need some youth. I still hope that Ryan Hollins is the future at center for this team, but a Gortat/Hollins combination is younger than a Dampier/Hollins combination and should translate into more energy on the court.

In order for this to be relevant, the Mavs must remain committed to the youth already on the team. This means going out and resigning Brandon Bass and ironically making sure Jason Kidd signs his three year offer. Kidd will be instrumental in shaping the future of this franchise. If we expect any of the young guard prospects on this team to develop, it will require Kidd's experience and tutelage. Additionally, the Mavs must make sure they turn the expiring contracts of Jerry Stackhouse and Dampier into youthful contributors during the course of this off-season. I know it may be asking for too much, but it would be nice to get a young prospect in exchange for Devean George.

As I step back and look at it, the Gortat signing has potential as the first piece in a much bigger off-season puzzle for the Mavericks. In order for it to work, the Mavs must make additional, more substantial moves this off-season.

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don't forget that

much of gortat’s numbers would have come in garbage time against scrubs. put him against starters and it’s not the same as simply multiplying his numbers by 2 to match damps numbers for comparison.

Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan was on the same pitching staff with Danny Darwin during the 1986 through 1988 seasons. Both were described by Milo Hamilton as "tall, tough Texans." It was a source of debate amongst Astros players and fans over who would win in a fight, Ryan or Darwin. Though Astros pitcher Bob Knepper attempted to set up a fight between the two during spring training in 1988, manager Hal Lanier stopped it before it could commence. Many experts, including Astros shortstop Rafael Ramirez, felt that Darwin would win because he "looked like someone no man would want to mess with."

by gossamer on Jul 3, 2009 1:46 PM CDT reply actions

sure it is

he did some of that work in the playoffs, the biggest stage, in support of Howard and when he was suspended. I think it’s pretty reasonable to expect a line of 8 ppg and 11 rpg, with a few blocks mixed in as a 30+ mpg starter on this team…and a ceiling of maybe something like 13 ppg and 14 rpg. He could be HUGE for us at the MLE price (here’s to hoping we do end up signing-and-trading him for Bass though and keep the MLE for another piece or two).

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 3, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Gortat's numbers as a starter in his career:

10 PPG
11.7 rebounds per game (5.7 offensive)
3 blocks per game in 33.7 minutes.

"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan

by Dirk Diggler on Jul 3, 2009 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions

also don't forget that

Damp only played 23 minutes per game because that’s all he was good for. Sure, he could put up some very surprising stats when he played a full game, but that almost never happened. The reasons why are well-documented: He’s getting up there in age, he’s NOT athletic or very well conditioned to run the floor, and he’s slow (lateral, front-back, side-side…you name the direction).

Gortat is 25 years old, essentially the same height/weight as Damp (I know they list Gortat as 240 lbs….but come on, that has to be an old number), he can run the floor well, and, most importantly, he can show some nifty offensive and defensive moves around the basket.

Check out those Gortatnet videos. They’re not just a smattering of highlights. They show extended clips of entire offensive and defensive plays. Watch how quickly Gortat moves to gain position for a rebound. Watch how quickly he comes of the pick-and-roll (and lays it in with his LEFT hand). Notice how his hands are soft enough to catch fast moving pass and finish at the basket. Also, check out how far away from the basket he can jump to put the ball in the hole.

Gortat is a pretty good player, and he hasn’t reached his full potential yet. More minutes will likely show the dominant type of player he could be. Good move, Donnie/Cuban.

by jcnevins on Jul 6, 2009 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions

I read on DB.com that Gortat...

Put up a double-double in every start he made last year, including 11 points and 15 rebounds in the deciding game of Orlando’s first round series against Philly.

Seriously, if you have any doubts about this, go on YouTube and look up Gortatnet. They put up highlights of most of his playoff games. Imagine Eddie Najara in a 6-11, 245 lbs frame.

I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo

by Big D Bam Bam on Jul 4, 2009 10:06 PM CDT reply actions

If he can finish

near the basket, he’s already better than Damp. I’m pretty sure he’s at least a similar rebounder and blocker to Damp, and I’m curious about how good his post D is. I think he’s at least another body in the paint.

Remember to retire Fin's number, Mark.

by jonthefon on Jul 4, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised...

Gortat is far leaner and quicker than Damp, with better lateral movement, which should be a big help against guys like Nene. Plus, he’s strong enough to tangle with Duncan in the post, which is even more vital when it comes to contending in the West.

Say what you want about Damp (and personally I hope he never suits up for Dallas again), but he’s strong as an ox, and he did his job against TD and Shaq in the playoffs when he got the chance.

I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo

by Big D Bam Bam on Jul 5, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions

I like Gortat a lot

As long as he doesn’t do this.

In all seriousness, I’m happy that he’s here after leaving Orlando.

My optic presentation sizzles the retina
How far must you go to gain respect? Um...
Well, it's kind of simple, just remain your own
Or you'll be crazy, sad and alone

by Marie on Jul 6, 2009 9:37 AM CDT reply actions

I saw that...

Pretty lulzy, but note the fact that the guy is seven feet tall and trying to dunk from well behind the free throw line (look how far back the last person is). Word out of Orlando is that he made some money proving that he could do it (twice) in practice.

One more time… seven feet tall, and he can dunk from the free throw line.

I think if you put two of my best seasons together it wouldn't come up with the numbers he's going to have at the end of the season. -Troy Aikman on Tony Romo

by Big D Bam Bam on Jul 6, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Yes, I heard that as well :)

My optic presentation sizzles the retina
How far must you go to gain respect? Um...
Well, it's kind of simple, just remain your own
Or you'll be crazy, sad and alone

by Marie on Jul 6, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions