Marcin Gortat 2010-2011 -Orlando Minutes -15.54 PPG - 4.0 Rebounds - 4.7 After Feb. Trade - 201-2011 - Phoenix Minutes- 29.36 PPG - 12.7 Reb - 9.4 Salary - (not positive on this but its close) 4 years/ 27.2 Million *Those numbers dont blow you away, but if you have watched any Sun's basketball the past few weeks, this guy has been a huge difference on both sides of the court and is making a case to be the full time starter for the Suns now going into the future. Plus, he still is only playing 29 minutes a game. Great production, especially defensively, for the minutes and price tag. Looking Back - Give credit to Morey. I know he tried his hardest to snag this guy whenever he was a restricted free agent last summer, but felt the price tag was too high at that time for a Center who was unproven as a full-time starter. That was understandeable at the time, but now it just hurts. However, this December it was well known that the Magic were very interested in trading for either Kevin Martin or re-aquiring Courtney Lee, but settled on the deal with Phoenix for Jason Richardson/Hedo combo and giving up on Vince Carter in the deal that had many scratching their heads. You have to wonder if there was a way the Rockets could have been more intense in those negotiations, and been able to somehow aquire Gortat without giving up a big piece like Martin. Now Im not saying Morey should have traded Martin straight up for Gortat, but looking into the future this offseason, if the Rockets look to sign either Gasol, DeAndre Jordan, Dalembert, or Nene, their price tag will be much greater than what Gortat is getting paid now in terms of his production on the court per starters minutes vs. the average of the above listed free agent Centers. Im usually the first one to not get caught up in what ifs, but in this case I just wish that this particular deal could have gotten done this season. Because once again, Rockets fans are going to be wondering when this team will ever get a true Center who can produce at a high level. He doesn't have to be Hakeem... and we all know Gortat is not that. However, athletic wings in the NBA are a dime a dozen, and I hope Courtney Lee wasnt the only thing standing in the way of getting a quality Center who plays terrific defense, and is still getting better. Im not sure about you guys, but this one stings.
I believe that the Rockets did make Gortat a big offer, but he signed an offer sheet with the Mavs which Orlando matched. Morey was willing to pay up for him.
I was glad when we didn't offer big money to Gortat and glad again that we didn't trade a rotation player for him at the deadline. Now, I'm thinking it wouldn't have been so bad and regretting it a little. Worried that it'll be the same with Asik.
They went full throttle after Gortat a few years back. I think this season you were not going to pry Gortat away from Orlando without Martin. NBA people knew that Gortat is a talented NBA center. Proof is in the pudding. With the Suns he's been having some solid numbers. He should only get better. Will likely turn out to be a 17 point and 10 rebound a season guy. But trading Martin for Gortat wasn't a very realistic scenario.
The point is - How much are the Rockets going to pay EVENTUALLY (either this offseason, or next) for a true center? -Gortats production per 35min. is actually just as good, if not better than the free agent Centers coming out this offseason. He might not be as good of a shot blocker as Dalembert, and Jordan, but on defense he can be very affective.
We better get a first rounder if we are taking on Childress... :grin: Spoiler Not with Childress! And his 5 year contract...
That would make it even better. And yes, Childress has a loooong contract. (Shhhh, but he's a significant upgrade at the 3 for us.....shhhhh!)
I thought Asik was not worth Lee. I was probably wrong. The question I have now is, What did Chicago wanted in addition to Lee for Asik? Did they even make a counter offer which Morey thought was too much, or did they tell Morey Asik was untouchable?
