Marcin Gortat, a 14-year NBA veteran, received numerous offers from NBA teams after he was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers. The veteran center turned down several deals, including one from the Milwaukee Bucks, apparently with hopes of signing with the Golden State Warriors.
According to Sportowe Fakty, sources close to Marcin Gortat revealed that there are several teams that have interest in acquiring the services of the Polish center. The report suggests that some of these teams, including the Bucks, are considered major contenders to win the NBA title this season.
Gortat rejected those offers in favor of the chance to sign with the Golden State Warriors. And for Gortat, it's the Dubs or none at all. The veteran center, who averaged 5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 47 games with the Los Angeles Clippers before being waived, is willing to sit out the current season if the Warriors doesn't offer him a contract. "If I was my own agent, I would strongly recommend Golden State Warriors," Gortat said during an interview with Przeglad Sportowy.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors reportedly had its sights on the Chicago Bulls slotman, Robin Lopez. However, the Bulls apparently have no plans in waiving Lopez. The Warriors have one slot open in their roster and look like they don't have enough big men in their vaunted lineup. This is where Gortat can come in and help the Warriors.
The 35-year-old Gortat started his career in the NBA playing backup behind the Orlando Magic superstar Dwight Howard. The Polish big man helped the Magic reach the playoffs for three straight years and was instrumental in Orlando's 2009 NBA Finals run. Impressed with Gortat's play, the Dallas Mavericks offered Gortat a generous offer which the Magic matched to keep Gortat for another season.
The Phoenix Suns traded for Gortat and "The Polish Hammer" immediately became a fan favorite in Phoenix. Gortat played three seasons with the Suns and averaged 14 points and 9 rebounds per game. While the Suns never got to play in the postseason while Gortat was there, the veteran center gave Phoenix the rim protection and rebounding that the Suns needed at that time.
Gortat was then traded in 2013 to the Washington Wizards and became the team's regular starter at center. The Wizards made the postseason four times out of the five seasons that Gortat played in Washington. The veteran center was then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2018 where he saw his minutes and production go down. Gortat was then waived by the Clippers just two days before the trade deadline.
In 806 NBA career games, Gortat averaged 9.9 points, 8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. Gortat, even at the twilight of his career, is still a very capable player. The Warriors are a bit thin at the center spot and Gortat may be able to provide a few minutes respite for the Dubs' regular centers, DeMarcus Cousins and Kevon Looney.
It could be a poetic end to the veteran center's incredible career. Gortat started his career as a backup for one of the most dominant centers in the league at that time. And if he signed with the Golden State Warriors, he would have the chance to close out his playing career behind one of the best big men in the NBA while having the chance to snag an NBA title while he's at it. When viewed from this point, Gortat may be right about snubbing the other offers to play for other NBA teams.
