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Gortat will not play this year
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 12:41 pm
by drsd
It might seem a little early for a wait-until-next-year theme, but reserve C Marcin Gortat, the rookie from Poland, already has set his sights on the 2008-09 season. Gortat is the only healthy player on the 15-man Magic roster who hasn't played in a game this season. And it doesn't look like he will. Van Gundy just doesn't think he's ready for NBA prime time, and he has told him.
"It's kind of weird hearing that you're not going to play but I've accepted it, and I'm already thinking about next season," Gortat said. "I'm going to keep working as hard as possible and improve enough to play. I practice against the best big man in the league [Howard] every day. I'm going to get better."
"I will come back next year more ready to play," Gortat said.
O-Sen: Gortat not ready for prime time
THis make a lot of sense. Marcin is not an NBA Center. He was brought over to practice for a year. Next year, he could develop into an OK player, if the Magic even have a roster spot open.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:00 pm
by Jiwol
Sad panda
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:02 pm
by mhectorgato
Gotta love his attitude though.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:35 pm
by Furinkazan
Once again he rejected an invitation from Polish national team.
This shows his devotion to the Magic.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:37 pm
by theTHIEF
Marcin might be a surprise when he gets minutes, he was very productibe in the summer league and he seemed to have a decent 10-12 foot shot, some power and some hustle...then again, Mario Kasun?
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:38 pm
by mhectorgato
~Snoopy~ wrote:Once again he rejected an invitation from Polish national team.
This shows his devotion to the Magic.
If only a certain Spaniard showed the same desire ...
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:43 pm
by Furinkazan
Also Im not sure about 2008/09 season.
With Battie back and who knows..Fran?:D
But you never know...
if somebody will get hurt he will fill Auggie's place from this season.
Then when his 2 yr contract is over he will either go back to Poland(as Cezary Trybański)or if he has a good manager he will try somewhere else in the NBA.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:47 pm
by Furinkazan
dunno why I see his nba career in black shades....but..ehm well ..lets hope im wrong...
on the positive side his desire is NBA itself not the money(as for now)
which is opposite to Trybański and Lampe
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:48 pm
by Gerhalt11
The Polish Hammer goes back in the toolbox. Sad day...
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:53 pm
by Optimus_Steel
He has a great attitude and sounds committed to the team. Maybe if the Magic wrap up a playoff spot early, why not give him some time in the last game or 2 of the regular season.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:16 pm
by LBPTarHeel27
I am just happy that he is still positive. That is a great sign in itself.
Best case scenario...and how nice it would be:
Battie comes back next season ready and healthy. Fran comes over and is not a complete bust. Gortat is ready to contribute.
We would go from a glaring hole at PF to being set early on...and would even give us the ability to make a move for a better starting PF.
Then use the MLE on a defensive minded shooting guard...bind band boom we have a much, much better team.
(Then we just wait for J-Kidd to sign for the MLE the following year)
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:36 pm
by paperboymafia
would be funny if he does improve and then fran decides to make an appearance and then sees that gortat owns him.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:54 pm
by drsd
Watching Gorat play up close, one thing is clear. Marcin loves basketball!
If he can develop a PF's game, he might stick in the league. He is active and is welling to be the hustle guy.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:20 pm
by Toyman7777
Well, not to sound rude, but my thought is, can he really be that much more unskilled than adonal foyle or auggie? I mean really, what would it hurt to give him a few minutes here or there.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:23 pm
by mhectorgato
Toyman7777 wrote:Well, not to sound rude, but my thought is, can he really be that much more unskilled than adonal foyle or auggie? I mean really, what would it hurt to give him a few minutes here or there.
Sure. The guys getting PT in the NBA (and other major bball leagues) are the top class. It's the pick of the litter talent wise as it were.
As bad as we think a player may be (ex: PJG) they would light us, and the vast majority of players, up on a court.
Plus there's also an adjustment period from international ball to NBA style.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:59 pm
by Furinkazan
haha funny thing
Gortat wont play for national team but he is encouraging Dan Dickau to play for Polish national team
I guess he wants to make some good deeds^^despite he wont play for Pl team he still want to help in some way
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:29 pm
by drsd
Toyman7777 wrote:Well, not to sound rude, but my thought is, can he really be that much more unskilled than adonal foyle or auggie? I mean really, what would it hurt to give him a few minutes here or there.
Foyle: strong yes. Marcin is league below Adonal. Foyle is a big body who plays well disciplined team defense. Marcin is a thin-chested, overly ambitious project that could not come cles to guarding any Center in the NBA.
Augustine: a thinner yes. James like Marcin are on the fringes of the NBA. But James has some miles in already, and understands the process of the NBA.
But, as for some minutes, Marcin can only improve if in blowout wins/loses he gets some looks and touches. Right now he understands how to work in and around the Magic bigs. But he has not encountered the diversity of players. That experience only comes on court.
So your central thesis as to court time is well supported.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:02 pm
by sChOlaRlY_Magi
Gotta give him props on the attitude though! It would have been nice to see Gooden have that attitude when asked about Dwight being Drafted. They + Varejao would have made a nice rotation...
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:56 pm
by craig01
Not very surprising.
He's got a good attitude about it though.
Inevitably, it may not matter much.
Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:25 pm
by magicmamma
Toyman7777 wrote:Well, not to sound rude, but my thought is, can he really be that much more unskilled than adonal foyle or auggie? I mean really, what would it hurt to give him a few minutes here or there.
Otis said they were disappointed with Marcin's performance in D-League. He didn't rebound and couldn't stay out of foul trouble. In contrast, when Auggie went to D-League last year he
dominated -- D12 type domination. He still couldn't get on the floor last year, but he learned enough to get some time as a reserve this year. With his attitude, Marcin should develop this season. He seems to be a really nice guy and I hope he makes it.
No comparison to Foyle, who brings a lot of skill, energy, toughness, and experience to the floor.