Marcin Gortat is finally getting some minutes while playing with a great point guard in Steve Nash, but will he keep up his recent production?
Analysis: Gortat was a great backup for Dwight Howard in Orlando, but he was never given the chance to shine there. Not surprising considering he was playing behind the best center in the game today. Recently he has been on quite a tear with his new big minute role on the Sun’s roster. In his last game against the Raptors Gortat brought down 11 boards, 17 points, and 1 block while only missing two shots and playing 34 minutes. Gortat is averaging 10 more minutes with the Suns and I think this number is only going to increase. Gortat runs a great pick and roll with Nash and actually has great finish around the rim. As he and Nash get more and more comfortable Gortat will become a must have player in every league. I don’t think we should expect Nash to turn him into the next Amar’e Stoudemire, but he can certainly put up some stats.
Projection: Playing with Nash and getting more minutes than ever before has Gortat in his happy place, and I only see his production getting better. The one disappointing feature has been Gortat’s lack of blocks. He is averaging 10 more minutes but his blocks have only gone up .2 per game. This hurts his fantasy value, but I expect his blocks to go up the more familiar he gets with the Phoenix system.