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Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Why Marcin Gortat Could Be Traded In The Off-Season

By Ben Mehic

Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) reacts after a foul call in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) reacts after a foul call in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Wizards 98-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Great questions this week, Reeves!

Per the current standings, the Washington Wizards would see the Indiana Pacers in the first round – the team that bounced them out of the semifinals in 2014, albeit a team that’s built much differently now than it was then.

The standings are constantly shifting, though.

The Toronto Raptors are at 41 wins – just one less than Washington. The Wizards are also just two games behind the Boston Celtics.

These next few weeks will determine the seedings, so Washington can’t afford to lose any more games to teams below .500.

The postseason, really, is all about positioning and matchups.

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Of all the teams you mentioned, the Miami Heat present the most matchup problems.

Hassan Whiteside consistently abuses Washington’s bigs with his athleticism, including Ian Mahinmi, who the Wizards signed specifically for this problem.

Goran Dragic is one of the craftiest guards in the league and does a great job of keeping his dribble alive inside the paint.

John Wall, for some reason, has just never become an elite defender.

Players like Dragic, who know how to utilize small amounts of space and use their bodies to create it, typically give him trouble.

Plus, the Heat have a handful of players capable of swinging games. Dion Waiters has become sneaky good and seems to have Wizards Killer potential.

The Milwaukee Bucks offer similar matchup problems for the Wizards.

Giannis Antetokounmpo looked like Dr. J against Washington earlier this season, leading the Bucks to a dominant win. Now that Khris Middleton is back, the Bucks are looking like a real threat. They’re also the longest team in the NBA, naturally giving every team in the league issues.

The Detroit Pistons would be the easiest matchup, but it’s also the least likely. If the Washington Wizards stay at the third spot and the Pacers don’t move up or down, they’ll still be the heavy favorite. Otto Porter matches up fairly well against Paul George and the Wizards would have a significant edge in the backcourt.

From easiest to most difficult matchup, I’d go Pistons, Pacers, Bucks and Heat.

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