.. and let’s take a look at Haslem’s numbers. I want to concentrate, more so, defensively.

opposing PER: 15.1 (against PF’s), 17.3 (against C’s)
net defensive plus/minus: -0.6
eFG% allowed: 51.1%

I’d like to think that Udonis’ eFG% allowed percentage takes a hit because Haslem was forced to play at center for part of the season (which put him at a disadvantage, defensively). I think, taking into that fact, the numbers (for the most part) suggest that Udonis Haslem is an average defender, at this point. But as always is the case, you’d have to assume Haslem may benefit a bit from playing alongside Howard. There is some precedence to track the impact Udonis has on defense when paired next to a dominant big man (Shaq). In 2005-2006, Haslem rated as an above-average defender.

Marcin Gortat’s numbers, defensively, are better (even if an improvement were to occur for Udonis Haslem).
http://www.82games.com/0809/08ORL13.HTM

Offensively, both players are comparable. Haslem does carry a bit more versatility to his game, given that he can nail mid-range jumpers with consistency and regularity. Gortat doesn’t have that ability right now. If you think about it, Udonis (offensively at least) would fit better with Dwight because he can help spread the floor a bit. As I touched on earlier today in a post, Marcin can’t do that because of his inability to pose as a threat on the perimeter. Thus, Gortat clogs the lane with he’s playing alongside Howard, eliminating the spacing head coach Stan Van Gundy demands on offense.

It’s a tough call. I’d go with Gortat because of he’s young, a better defender, has potential, etc.

Even though Haslem is more experienced, Gortat has more potential.

Haslem gets mentioned a lot because he’s a high quality rebounder + defender, and because he can make jump shots on the offensive end. His offensive ability, and rebounding, makes him a very good fit next to Howard.

I don’t think Howard + Gortat are a good fit alongside one another, chiefly because of offensive reasons that have already been mentioned – spacing + jump shooting.

I think Gortat should do everything possible to leave Orlando this summer. It’ll be damaging to his career if he stays here and is stuck behind Dwight Howard.

I’d love to see him get an opportunity to start somewhere. I think he can be a 8-12ppg and 10-12rpg guy, with good defense, if he’s given 33-36 minutes a night. He’d be a bargain financially too — I’d love to see a GM offer him a 5 year $15mil contract and lock him long term while giving him major minutes. That would be a superb move. A cheap high quality role player at center.

Gortat is one of the sleepers in this off-season’s free agent class.

Doesn’t he have some type of natural gift for spreading the floor a dropping threes?! =) Just figured I’d throw that out there in jest. I’m sure Marcin could develop a “J,” but I also agree that he’s hurting his career by staying, if he does. I’d take Millsap or Lee first, but I’d have to think about Marcin vs. Powe, and I’d definitely take him over Davis. This is understanding that he gets minutes. I honestly see Marcin’s numbers looking like a healthy Tyson Chandler’s if given the opportunity. Great upside.

Thanks for the welcome and the great response.

Chief