RealGM

To be honest I haven't had a chance to watch the guy a whole lot but I am curious about possibly signing this guy in the offseason if the Thunder don't draft Thabeet.

Apparently he can dunk from the free throw line.

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/11/18/marcin-gortat-is-the-polish-dr-j/

However the 2004 dunk contest moment is pretty funny.

http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/11/19/marcin-gortat-wasnt-born-as-the-polish-dr-j/

But if the Thunder don't pick Thabeet would Gortat be a nice compliment to Krystic at the center spot?

I think they might be able to get him on the cheap too.

I hate using the rpg per 48 stat because it's hard to tell who he was going up against but he is 11th in the league with 17.3 rebs per 48 minutes.

Other notables
D Howard 18.6
Biedrins 17.9
Pryzbilla 17.6
and last but not least Steven Hill OKC rookie with a 59.2rebs per 48 to lead the league.

Obviously it's kind of hard to get a clear picture when Steven Hill is pulling in just shy of 60rebs a game per 48min.

But the guy is only 25 years old and a free agent. He looks like he could give the Thunder rebounding, tough D and is a bit of a shot blocker too.

Ranks 28 in blks per 48 in the entire league as well.

Thoughts?

I was thinking of Gortat as well and I think at maybe a 3yr 3-4 million deal he could be part of a offensive/defensive platoon with Kristic that could help both of them. This would be if we don't get a starting 5 that's better than Kristic.

I wouldn't break the bank for him (speaking as a magic fan). He's a solid role player and he has his great moments and not so great ones. Definitely worth having on the roster though and he keeps improving. 3 to 4 million as mentioned above would be where he should be paid.

He'd be a great option off the bench for us, he brings toughness, defense and rebounding. Although I wouldn't pay to much for him though, he's a pretty limited offensive player and he's not starter material in my mind.

Nolan wrote:He'd be a great option off the bench for us, he brings toughness, defense and rebounding. Although I wouldn't pay to much for him though, he's a pretty limited offensive player and he's not starter material in my mind.

I know they're very different players, but this description sounds a lot like what Collison and/or White already bring to the table. I still just don't really see a reason to go after the guy when we're crowded with guys that are, at best, borderline starters (and that's generous). If we get a frontcourt player, it needs to be a Chandler/Thabeet type center to start next to Green and Durant that will actually give us an option that improves the team (as opposed to another utility guy that does well enough, because I like the utility guys we have and we don't need more). Am I off base with this? I haven't seen Gortat play a ton, but the bit I have, he hasn't really jumped off of the page.

Your forgeting Pops Menssah Bonsu rebounds per 48 minutes. 19.2 rebounds. He counts because he played the last 21 games of the season.

If I were you guys I would draft James Harden and sign Gortat. That is an absolutely perfect fit IMO.

Gortat is no Collison. He rebounds slightly better and blocks ALOT more shots. He is also alot more athletic.

As a Magic fan, I think this would be a great signing for the Thunder. Gortat is exactly what the Thunder need.

I'm hoping he is resigned by the Magic, however.

I've been saying this for a while now, he'd be a great fit at OKC.

Gortat is restricted. It would likely take a sign and trade with the Magic.