Los Angeles Clippers: 3 players facing the most pressure in 2018-19

2. Marcin Gortat

Marcin Gortat has had a solid career as the starting center for the Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, and even the Orlando Magic as he’s averaged career highs in points, rebounds and blocks of 15.4, 10.4, and 1.6 per game, respectively. With the recent Austin Rivers trade, the Clippers were able to kill two birds with one stone, gaining cap space and a new starting center.

However, it’s no secret that Gortat isn’t the most athletic big man and isn’t getting any younger. The 34-year-old will be filling the shoes of the high-level defensive and rebounding specialist DeAndre Jordan. While pretty much no Clippers fan expects Gortat to have the same level of impact as Jordan, they do expect him to make sure the team isn’t missing a huge chunk of what made them successful last season and throughout history.

Whether it be Bob McAdoo, Danny Manning, Elton Brand or even Blake Griffin, the Clippers have almost always had an elite big man as a big part of their offense. The 6’11”, 240-pound center is capable of averaging double figures in both points and rebounds and has more of an offensive game than DeAndre Jordan. However, Jordan’s defensive prowess and ability to rebound the ball at an extremely high level isn’t easily replicated.

While Gortat doesn’t have immense pressure due to age, a different style of play and the emergence of Montrezl Harrell, he is still expected to come in and play a big role in the success of this team. He’s always been a good rebounder and solid scorer and that isn’t expected to change. He’s got to prove that he’s still got some high-level play left in the tank if he wants to find a new home after the Clippers as well.