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Washington Wizards: Marcin Gortat becoming more valuable late in career

By Randy Porga

May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) dunks the ball as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) looks on in the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) dunks the ball as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) looks on in the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Wizards had a solid run through the 2016-2017 season and into the playoffs, and Marcin Gortat played a key role in their success.

When it is all said and done, Marcin Gortat will be able to look back at his career in the NBA and feel more than accomplished. Playing for four different teams though 10 seasons, Gortat seems to fit in just right over in Washington.

During his time in the league, he has made six playoff appearances in 10 seasons. The Washington Wizards are playing the best basketball they have since the late ’70s and are trending upward. Fans have more than one reason to have hope and optimism for the 2017-18 season.

Most of all, Marcin Gortat has become more valuable late in his career and serves as their core defensive help and big man.

Past his prime? Or just hitting his peak?

Marcin Gortat put up numbers breaking some of his career averages this season (rebounds per game and field goal percentage), despite what some may have thought about his age.

  • Previous career high:  8.2 RPG; 2016-17 regular season:  10.4 RPG
  • Previous career high:  55.6 FG%; 2016-17 regular season:  57.9 FG%

Playing at center is certainly physically demanding and has proven to take its toll on players over the years. In today’s league, teams strive to stay alive by surrounding young talent with superstars. The three-pointer has taken on a life of its own, but the Wizards play a slightly different game.

The Wizards live and die playing in the paint and playing tough, as they ranked fourth as a team during the playoffs with 44.6 points in the paint per game. John Wall led the way during the playoffs, ranking seventh in points in the paint.

Marcin Gortat made sure of this success, setting picks and sacrificing his body down low. Most players 10 seasons into their careers begin to feel their bodies break down as a result of this. Gortat, fortunately, has shown zero signs of wear and tear, playing all 82 games this season.

The trend looks to continue

Over 10 seasons, Marcin Gortat should not be overlooked as an elite center in the league. Although he is not recognized as a playmaker to make highlight reels by any means, he gets the job done. He simply puts in the hard work needed in the paint and plays both sides of the ball well. Not only were his contributions clutch to the team’s success this season, but ever since he joined the Wizards in 2013-14, he has performed better each year.

Over the past four seasons, Gortat has steadily increased his field goal percentage from 54.2 percent to 57.9 percent while barely fluctuating in field goal attempts. His 9.5 rebounds per game four seasons ago have risen to 10.4 per game, and he averaged a double-double during the 2016-17 campaign. Averaging right around 30 minutes per game during his tenure, he continues to prove himself as durable and capable of continuing the trend.

Next: 2017 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery edition

Marcin Gortat is signed through the 2018-19 season and will become an unrestricted free agent at the age of 35. It is quite possible the tank can run out of gas after two more seasons. However, having an improving veteran at center is hardly a reason for panic.

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