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Playoff Picture: Washington Wizards

By Luke Duffy

Apr 1, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks up at the clock during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated Philadelphia 76ers 106-93. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) looks up at the clock during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated Philadelphia 76ers 106-93. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) drives to the basket as New York Knicks forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) drives to the basket as New York Knicks forward Jason Smith (14) defends during the second quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Potential X-Factor

Marcin Gortat

Gortat has come a long way from his days as a backup center for the Orlando Magic. Even then you could tell he had something, he just had to get out from under the shadow of Dwight Howard to find out what it was. He’s no Marc Gasol offensively, but you could classify him as a two-way player for this team.

His 12.1 points a contest are important for a team with the scoring issues we have touched on, while he does a great job of protecting the basket as well. He’s a top-20 rebounding guy as well, his 8.8 a game coming in 17th in the league. With Nene often out of the lineup, what Gortat does is doubly as important.

Washington was smart to tie him down long term last summer. He’ll be crucial for this team is several potential matchups. Should Washington run into Atlanta, would Al Horford be too much for Gortat? Yes, over long stretches, but he could at least slow him down. Ditto Timofey Mozgov and Joakim Noah, members of teams the Wizards will have to go through to make it far in the playoffs.

He’s in the prime of his career, is active on both ends of the court and has an understanding of his place within this team. His double act with Wall is hard to stop once it gets going as well. A tough big who will do all of the dirty work for this team.

Next: Pretenders Or Contenders?

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