Player: Gortat, Marcin

Stats: 63 Games played with an average of 12.6 minutes on the floor. He averaged 3.8 points a game on 57% shooting, was 100% from 3 (Yes, Marcin was 1 of 1 all season) and managed to grab 4.5 rebounds and .84 blocks per game.

Best Game: Game 6 closeout game against Philadelphia in the first round of the playoffs. With a suspended Dwight Howard (who they say it was the elbows but further evidence proved it was Dwight's free throw singing of Single Ladies from Beyonce), Marcin stepped up to the plate and had an awesome game where he scored 11 points and added 15 boards, 4 steals, and 2 assists while shutting down Dalembert and any other Big Philly threw his way.

Worst Game: The Warlock has erased our memories of all and any bad games he might have had. Who can withstand the power of The Warlock? But seriously, Game 5 of the NBA Finals. He managed to get 4 pts in 9 minutes…but that was it.

Most Memorable Moment: Blocking Lebron James in the finals and not only once. The look on King James' face was priceless; "Who's this big white motherf@$%r, and who does he think he is? I'm King James Bitch!"


Offense: Marcin Gortat is a legend, from the playground in Poland, and throughout the Euro League. People fear the Warlock. He trains with freaking bears for God's sakes. The world revolves around him not around the Sun. With that said, Marcin is quick for a 7 footer, has pretty good hands to catch a pass, and can dunk, although not as much as he should. There where a few instances where he went for a layup right under the basket instead of a dunk, only to have his shot blocked by Nate Robinson (OK maybe not Nate, but anyone is shorter than March). Now he was a solid backup for Dwight Howard all year. After only playing 6 games his entire rookie season, and quickly becoming a fan fave, Marcin earned the job as the Magic's backup center. His post moves are raw, but he has a nice soft touch on the baseline spin move. If he can develop a 15 foot shot he would be deadly, especially when combined with another dominating big man like Dwight. His 2008-09 per 40 numbers...12 pts, 15 rbs, 6 ast, 3 blk, on 57% shooting. Not to shabby.

Defense: He moves around, doesn't get beat too often, takes charges, blocks, contests every shot, and picks up a lot of fouls. It was always scary to see him go against Pau Gasol, Shaq, Duncan, and all the other guys, but we have to remember that the guy is basically a rookie. This was his first year with meaningful playing time and he delivered. How many times did he block Lebron during that series? It was beautiful. His instincts on the ball are very good. Things just come to him. He needs experience, because he moves well and has a head on his shoulders. Also remember that the guy is young and has only been playing basketball a few years as he played soccer before. Awww those crazy Europeans and soccer…tisk tisk…

Expectations for 2010: Plenty of teams are on his case, offering more training bears, cars, models and playing time. He wants it. Who wouldn't? If you are a pro player, you want to play. Marcin likes Orlando and wants to stay but will go wherever they pay him more and offer more playing time. Hopefully this is not another Darko Milicic case. March made $710k this year, that's pennies compared to what other Big Man make in this league, and a skilled, starting caliber(for probably half of the teams in the league) like him, deserve more and can get more. We expect him to get offers around 3 or 4 million per year, but don't be surprised if a team offers him the full MLE.
If his best offer is 4 million tops, the Magic match and keep him. If a team offers him the MLE, Gortat is gone. Then he will have to prove if he really is worth the money and if he really is a starting big man in this league. We shall know what his future holds very soon.

Grade: A solid B. He came in and earned the backup roll allowing Dwight to rest, while maintaining the hustle on D and rebounding as well as building a reputation for himself. People noticed. He is good, but not great. His attitude was amazing all year, and seeing a young guy that really appreciate what he has and shows it to the fans is a refreshing sight. Far different from all the prima donnas in the league that feel they deserve everything they have and more.