Marcin Gortat slumped this season as a scorer. His Per-36 minute scoring average dropped from 16.1 points per 36 minutes played to 11.7 this season. And some some were wondering if he was truly declining.
On Friday, Kevin Broom noted that Gortat isn’t declining due to age but because he’s less involved in the offense. In other words, Gortat may not really be declining at all.
In addition to the stats Kevin laid out, here are some other stats that support Gortat’s consistency from last season to this season and his lack of touches:
Marcin Gortat’s FG%, Usage, and Ratings 2016-17 vs. 2015-16
| Stat | 2015-16 | 2016-17 |
|---|---|---|
| Stat | 2015-16 | 2016-17 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 56.70% | 58.30% |
| Usage Rating | 18.90% | 14.30% |
| Ind. Offensive Rating | 114 | 115 |
| Ind. Defensive Rating | 104 | 107 |
If anything, Gortat has become a more efficient player on offense while remaining serviceably on defense. The moral of Kevin’s story and the stats above is pretty clear: FEED MARCIN MORE!
That’s exactly what we saw on Friday when the Wizards defeated the Timberwolves, 112-105. Gortat scored 19 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and blocked 3 shots to deliver one of his strongest performances this season.
Marcin Gortat’s Stats vs. Timberwolves on 1/6 vs. 2016-17 Averages
| Stat | vs. Timberwolves on Jan 6 | 2016-17 Season Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Stat | vs. Timberwolves on Jan 6 | 2016-17 Season Avg |
| Points | 19 | 11.7 |
| Rebounds | 10 | 12 |
| Assists | 1 | 1.8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1.1 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 100% | 58.30% |
| Usage Rating | 22.70% | 14.30% |
Gortat’s double double wasn’t anything new. This was his 20th of the 2016-17 season.
However, Gortat was more involved in the offense, which can be reflected by his higher usage rate. He also shot 9 of 9 from the field, provided help on the defensive end, and almost had a “perfect game” scoring the basketball. The only blemish Gortat had on Friday was one missed free throw.
Gortat’s shooting performance is also one for the record books. No other player in Wizards franchise history shot 9 of 9 from the field since the 20th century:
Marcin Gortat is the first Wizards player to go 9-9 from the field or better since Ben Wallace in April 1999 vs the Cavaliers (also 9-9)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 7, 2017
On April 29, 1999, Ben Wallace scored 20 points on 9 of 9 shooting in a 20 point, 10 rebound performance in a 97-86 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Gortat may not be a superstar center like DeMarcus Cousins of the Kings. However, when sound backcourt players like John Wall and Bradley Beal find Gortat when he’s open, the Polish Hammer capitalizes on those opportunities as well as anyone. You can watch Gortat’s highlights above from DownToBuck’s YouTube channel.
Finally, don’t forget to give Marcin Gortat an #NBAVOTE! Here’s a tweet to help you out.
Marcin Gortat #NBAVOTE
— Albert L. (@aleeinthedmv) January 7, 2017
Bringing back the swag pic.twitter.com/XX4qXoQHwz