Marcin Gortat not happy with Suns, expresses self to Polish media

Look, this situation isn't a surprise to me. The season ended last year with Gortat either in or very near Alvin Gentry's dog house. His propensity for shifting blame and inability to do certain things on the court (like box out his man) were frustrating to watch. Even before the season began he was calling for more pick and rolls so he could get his touches despite the fact that the Suns don't have the shooters to space the floor. And as much as we love Goran Dragic, Goran Dragic is no Steve Nash.

Despite those ominous signs, Marcin started things off with a bang. He was a shot blocking machine and was finding his points in a very efficient manner. But after recording five blocks, 12 points and 11 rebounds in the comeback win over the Cavs, he's been a virtual non-factor culminating in a season-low 23 minutes against the Heat on Saturday.

Well, here's some choice words from Marcin to make the situation better so much worse.

Marcin Gortat’s Rebellion | The Gothic Ginobili

Coach Alvin Gentry told me that the main post option was Luis Scola. You, on the other hand, are number one on defense.

MG: Unfortunately... I've been doing the dirty work all my life, and now I have to come back to that. I will fight for what's mine. I'll try to prove to the coach that I can play an important role in the offence. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm even an option for Gentry. He doesn't even take me into consideration. The situation is critical. We're playing the same thing we've been playing last year, but the truth is we have a completely different set of players. I don't think it really works. I can't get frustrated now though, I have to stay positive.

The quotes are coming from an interview that Gortat gave to the Polish web site Przeglad Sportowy which you can find here. There's plenty more there.

The translation above comes from NBA blogger Adam Koscielak at Gothic Ginobili. Adam says he's a native Polish speaker (which I can't verify since I am not a native Polish speaker). The quotes, however, appear to be accurately translated. I know we have enough Polish readers to confirm or refute the translations.

Przeglad Sportowy also reports that Gortat rejected an extension offer from the Suns and that the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls are interested in trading for him. Wonder where they got that information?

Regardless of how you evaluate Gortat's skills and potential as a basketball player (I've always considered him an average starter while others saw more), no one can be happy with his lack of discretion with his frustrations.

If you aren't happy with your role in the offense, take it up with the coach. If you still disagree with what you are being told, go out and prove yourself on the court. Marcin seems to understand this and yet can't help but also throw gas on the fire with his public comments.

Does he think that things reported in Poland won't make it back to Arizona? He's a smart guy and knows better than that.

Stay tuned for some interesting damage control in the next few days as Gortat and Gentry are asked about these comments.

For those rosterbators in the crowd, fire up the trade machine (The Polish Trade Machine!) and have some fun. 37 Internet Win Points if anyone correctly guesses a move in advance.