Orlando Magic News for September 25th: Marcin Gortat Speaks
by Evan Dunlap on Sep 25, 2008 11:08 AM EDT
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3QC community member Marie, via the FanPosts, passes on this translation of an interview with Marcin Gortat. I skimmed it, and doing so only reaffirmed my love for The Hammer. I hadn't realized how much he busted his behind last season: he gained 26 pounds!
In honor of Marcin, I present this YouTube of highlights from his rookie year. Yes, it reaches for content at times -- we get clips of every screen he set and every rebound he grabbed -- but it also has one of my favorite moments from the Playoffs; fast-forward to 2:10 to see it. Gortat absolutely schools Rasheed Wallace, an outstanding defender, in the post.
- Brian Schmitz says Dwight Howard needs to take on a more active leadership role, and thinks adapted Kevin Garnett's no-nonsense demeanor on the court is the way to go. I heartily endorse this idea. Dwight already has one of the league's most intimidating bodies, yet he's also one of the league's goofiest stars. With an edge, a tougher attitude, he'd become absolutely fearsome.
- ShamSports does what John Hollinger did a few weeks ago by rating each free-agent signing this summer. He hates the Mickael Pietrus signing and, perhaps facetiously, loves the Anthony Johnson one.
- The Lakers Nation discusses the possibility of former Magic forward (and 3QC fave) Trevor Ariza supplanting Lamar Odom in the Lakers' starting lineup.
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Good stuff from Gortat. I was waiting all season for him to get his shot, he’s has a vast skill set and is going to be a solid backup to Dwight. He proved he could handle that role in the playoffs last year, I have no doubts he can get the job done.
I think he should be Dwight's primary backup this year
But I somehow can’t shake the feeling that that job still belongs to Adonal Foyle, even after his falling off the face of the earth in the playoffs.
by Evan Dunlap on Sep 26, 2008 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Gah
Don’t say that…I really hope it goes to Gortat.
On another note, I read that Battie sprained his ankle last week without having contact with anyone (third paragraph from the bottom).
Ouch
That’s not as bad as Greg Oden busting his knee by sitting on his couch, but that’s still pretty bad.
Gortat
I’d be shocked if SVG didn’t put Gortat in the back-up role for Dwight. He played the man in the damn playoffs last year. I’d be surprised if SVG went back to Foyle, simply because I don’t think he’s afraid to play Gortat anymore.
Contributing Writer for DePaul's scout.com website.
Class of 2009 - DePaul University
I disagree with the comment
About Dwight adopting KGs leadership style. That works for KG, Dwight seems to be doing just fine in leading in his own way. I don’t think anyone can question his focus on the court.
His focus is a problem at times
He really isn’t much of a leader, and his focus can be off at times; he’s easily rattled. His goofball reputation hurts him, too, as veterans on opposing teams know how to exploit it:. Take Baron Davis, for instance, in a rather embarrassing loss from last season:
Dwight Howard reached out and touched Golden State Warriors point guard Baron Davis’ hand before stepping to the free-throw line after having made eight in a row. He missed the shot.
“Baron said if he touched my hand I’d miss my free throws,” Howard said. “Me, being silly, I touched his hand. He jinxed me. It worked.”
I’m not saying he has to be an ass to everyone, but I do think he should work harder to intimidate people. He needs a more no-nonsense approach.
by Evan Dunlap on Sep 26, 2008 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Great interview. Very interesting.
I too think Gortat is the frontrunner to be Dwight’s primary backup next season. I think SVG likes his more all-round skill set as opposed to Foyle.
Might be a matchups thing
Use Gortat against most people, but bring Foyle in as a defensive specialist to bang with the bigger guys.
Love the way Marcin runs the floor, though. Man. I am excited.
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