There’s a lot of speculation about Suns center Marcin Gortat and his future in Phoenix. Gortat is unhappy with his role in the Suns offense and the team’s refusal to discuss a contract extension, according to this Polish media outlet.
ESPN Insider Joe Kaiser summarizes Gortat’s talents and possible trade partners for Phoenix:
Today, the 28-year-old Polish big man is one of the premier centers in the league, a massive 6-foot-11 interior presence that can change games on both ends of the court. And he has the numbers to back it up.
Synergy Stats Technology indicates that Gortat’s offensive points per play ranked among the best in the league in both 2010-11 (1.08 PPP ranked No. 28) and 2011-12 (1.047 PPP ranked No. 37). Consider his rebounding numbers (9.73 per game since joining Phoenix) and improving defensive skills (3.2 blocked shots per game this season ranks No. 2 behind Serge Ibaka), and Gortat’s value becomes even clearer.
Kaiser offers up Avery Bradley and Courtney Lee for Gortat:
No team makes as much sense as Boston, which badly needs a big man to pair with Kevin Garnett in the frontcourt before the window of opportunity closes in the KG/Paul Pierce era. The Celtics have as many tradeable young talents as any playoff-caliber team, and though they’ve been very reluctant to include young defensive star Avery Bradley in any deal, they may have to in order to coax Gortat out of the Suns. Bradley would be exactly what the Suns are looking for if they have to move Gortat — a young, hard-working shooting guard who can come in and fill a position of need.
Are you ready to ship Avery Bradley out of town? Because I’m not. And this proposal creates a large hole at shooting guard.
Gortat is a skilled big and his rebounding and defense will be a welcome addition to Boston. But if he’s here, then KG is back to playing power forward. Can the Celtics make that switch seamlessly? And what about Doc’s affinity for small ball?
The other scenarios involve the Bucks, Thunder, Blazers and Hornets.
We’d love to hear your thoughts…
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