Happy Birthday, Marcin Gortat!

by Evan Dunlap on Feb 17, 2010 8:00 AM EST in Diversions

Orlando Pinstriped Post Photo / Bruce Maddox

Orlando Magic center Marcin "The Polish Machine" Gortat turns 26 today. Now in his third season, he developed into one of the league's top reserves centers almost overnight, going from the end of the bench as a rookie to second only to the All-Star Dwight Howard in the playoffs. He assumed top backup big-man duties full-time last season, in which he played himself into a contract worth the full mid-level exception from the Dallas Mavericks as a free agent. In a bit of a twist--we had already started saying our goodbyes--the Magic matched the offer to keep Gortat around.

It's a good thing they did. Though his statistics have dipped, perhaps as a consequence of playing for the Polish National Team last summer after a long NBA Finals run with the Magic, he's still quite productive relative to his salary and position. He could start for plenty of teams and could even average a double-double, with two blocked shots or so, for them. Yet here he is in Orlando, backing up the best center in the world, and not really minding.

Many happy returns, Marcin.

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Happy Birthday Marcin!

dont drink too much tonight. ;]

by Wiadrov on Feb 17, 2010 8:34 AM EST reply actions

I sure HOPE he doesn't really mind

I’d really like for him to stay. I don’t think he has anything to prove to anyone; when Orlando, with the best big man in the league, matches what is essentially starter money to keep Gortat as back up, that’s about as good an endorsement as you can hope for. He has a better shot here at winning a ring than at any of his likely trade destinations, and will undoubtedly be needed in the post-season. Hey, Marcin – stay a while! You’ll be glad you did.

University of Tennessee : Where Schadenfreude Happens

by rco3 on Feb 17, 2010 2:18 PM EST reply actions