Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Washington Wizards: Thank you, Marcin Gortat

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 13: Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards celebrates during the game between the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 13: Marcin Gortat #13 of the Washington Wizards celebrates during the game between the Washington Wizards and the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena on January 13, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 2
Next
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 28: John Wall #2 and Marcin Gortat #4 of the Washington Wizards celebrate during the closing seconds of the Wizards 91-78 win over the Indiana Pacers at Verizon Center on March 28, 2014 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 28: John Wall #2 and Marcin Gortat #4 of the Washington Wizards celebrate during the closing seconds of the Wizards 91-78 win over the Indiana Pacers at Verizon Center on March 28, 2014 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Blame Game

Gortat  chose not to adapt, and there’s nothing wrong with that choice. The Wizards just did not have enough weapons, so that Gortat could play to his strength. Thus, his weakness came out a lot of times.

DeAndre Jordan isn’t defending the perimeter nor is he a good free throw shooter. But other players will make up for his weakness, so that Jordan can play to his strengths.

The Wizards don’t have perimeter defenders or they chose not to defend the 3-point line. So it wasn’t all on Gortat.

I know what it’s like to cover 82 games, give up vacation time, because you have a duty. For me it was for my readers. I recognized your strong work ethic, and your individuality of not following the crowd.

For the most recent Wizards roster, I only owned one player’s jersey. I was off duty when I covered Game 5 of the Boston Series, 2017.

Your efforts did not go unnoticed. Thank you for being a role model for hard work, and leadership. I recently attended Georgetown’s MBA graduation for my youngest brother. The speaker said, something that isn’t taught on any court, playground or classroom. You have something that will serve you well – stick to itness.

You are the Polish Machine. No matter where you go in the world, or wherever life takes you, you have what it takes to succeed in the manner you want to succeed. The will to push on no matter what life throws your way.

The Clippers acquired someone who will teach others that talent can only take you so far, but the will to press on gets you past the finish line.

Good luck, Mr. Gortat. Thank you.

Home/Wizards News