With the preseason underway, it is time to look at your Los Angeles Clippers roster. First up is new center Marcin Gortat.
As we inch closer and closer to the start of the regular season, it is time to take a look at every player on the Los Angeles Clippers roster. First up is newly acquired center Marcin Gortat.
Arrival
Gortat comes to the team via trade this summer. The Clippers moved Austin Rivers to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Gortat. He gives the Clips a solid caliber starting center after DeAndre Jordan left the team to join the Dallas Mavericks. Gortat will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, so it is possible this is his lone season with the team.
Marcin Gortat won’t knock your socks off, but will do a little bit of everything to help the team win.
Gortat is entering his 12th year in the league. The Polish Hammer has career averages of 10.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 blocks. While he will turn 35 this season, Gortat still has a little left in the tank. Last season, he did experience a statistical dip across the board, but this could partly be attributed to the injuries suffered by the Wizards guards.
Gortat also clashed with superstar John Wall last season over Wall’s supposedly selfish play. This should be a non-issue for the Clippers as his hardworking personality should mesh well with Patrick Beverley and the rest of the Clippers’ back court.
This hardworking attitude, combined with his attention to detail is where Gortat will really shine. Gortat is notorious for being a good screen setter and roll man. He also will fight and box out on the defensive boards in order to make up for his lack of athleticism.
What role will Gortat have with this team? What kind of performances can we expect? Let’s dig in.