Greatest unsung hero in every NBA team’s history
Washington Wizards: Marcin Gortat
Marcin Gortat is the perfect metaphor for this recent run of success in Washington: solid, but not great.
The Polish big man spent five seasons in the nation’s capital catching passes from John Wall out of the pick-and-roll with an odd post play now and then. He was alright. Gortat averaged 11.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game during his half-decade in D.C.
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However, he and the rest of this team excelled the most at raising their own expectations to the point where they eventually crumbled under the weight of them.
The Wizards’ perpetual disappointment notwithstanding, Gortat was a solid defender in the post. While no one will confuse him for Hakeem Olajuwon or Wilt Chamberlain, he could surprise opposing centers with a slick hook shot or post move.
While it’s easy to look at Gortat and dismiss him as an average center, which isn’t necessarily an incorrect take, the Wizards would love to have his services right now.
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His replacement Dwight Howard has barely played thus far in the 2018-19 season. It has factored into their lackluster season, although youngster Thomas Bryant has filled in well for Howard. As that old saying goes, sometimes you don’t know what you have until it’s gone.