FanPost

Gortat 9th on the 6th man ballot + Polish papers end-of-season interview


The Hammer earned 11pts in the ballot with two 2nd place votes and 5 3rd place votes.

For a player mentioned only as D-12 sidekick a year ago that is a serious upgrade. As I agree completely that Odom earned his statuette I seriously doubt some of the other choices - at least stat-wise. The other players to finish above the Polish Machine were Goerge Hill, James Harden and Lou Williams (he even have gotten a first place vote!?!?!???).

He might get some more consideration for the MIP award (I love how Polish people take over all the internet polls! http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2011/03/29/awards-season-most-improved-player/). In fact I would be stunned if he finished outside the Top 3.

In other news, in Gazeta Wyborcza Gortat gives a short interview about his off-season to-to list:

1. Rest one moth in Orlando away from training and basketball.

2. Get his nose right.

3. Work on his legs - especially strenghth and hops. (great idea since his elevation is avarage at best... if he could get higher, faster he would finish around the basket much better).

As to other themes - he mentions that AG wants him to be the floor leader on defense - scream at other guys and keep them concentrated. He also says that the team wants him to improve his offensive rebounding and post-up game for next season and that he will work on it very hard (no surprise here...).

He mentions that he is unlikely to play in the Polish National Team if the Lockout ensues because of the cost of his insurance. In case of a lockout his insurance is suspended so the Polish National team would have to pay 0,6 million dollars for his health insurance for him to play. Most european teams will face the same problems so the EuroBasket tournament might be low on quality. He will announce his decision around July 1st.

A nice quote for the off-season:

- "What makes you proud?"

- "After the Lakers game we fly to Toronto and I spend the whole night and morning in a bathtub full of ice, I stuff myself with food eventhough I feel like I want to vomit, get ready, go out, play 30 mins, get like 15pts, 8rbds, and my team wins. That makes me proud..."