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NBA: Teams That Should Trade For Marcin Gortat

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 8, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 112-99. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons win 112-99. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) dribbles the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) defends during the fourth quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 97-96. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Houston Rockets

If the Houston Rockets have proven anything during the summer of 2016, it’s that defense isn’t a priority. The backcourt will consist of James Harden and Eric Gordon, and the head coach is Mike D’Antoni.

D’Antoni isn’t as incompetent as some make him out to be defensively, but Houston is in danger of entering 2016-17 without an ounce of rim protection.

Marcin Gortat isa rugged rim protector who isn’t afraid of contact. That’s the type of presence Houston needs at the 5, as there promises to be a steady stream of blown assignments along the perimeter.

Offensively, Gortat’s ability to consistently convert from midrange and score off of the pick-and-roll make him an equally as valuable fit.

D’Antoni loves to run the pick-and-roll, and Gortat made his name by scoring off of that play with Steve Nash—the player whom D’Antoni famously coached. Furthermore, Gortat and Ryan Anderson have been teammates before, and would fit well stylistically.

Trevor Ariza could be fair compensation, but can Houston’s perimeter defense stand to lose its only consistent wing defender?

Next: Immediate Value