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Phoenix Suns' Marcin Gortat (4), of Poland, shoots over Denver Nuggets' JaVale McGee (34) in the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, in Phoenix. The Suns won 110-100. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
It appears Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat is not exactly happy with his role.

The 28-year-old is coming off a year in which he averaged personal bests in points, rebounds and blocked shots per game, and many thought it may have been the tip of the iceberg with regards to how well he could play.

But Gortat has seen his numbers decrease this season, and the "Polish Machine" is not happy about it.

According to an interview with http://nba.przegladsportowy.pl, one that has been loosely-translated via Google Translate, the third-year Sun has had enough.

When asked about how much things have changed for the Suns this season, Gortat said:

"I am able to help the team and regularly earn more than 10 points and have more than 10 rebounds, but the ball still sticks in the attack to one person, it's hard to find a good rhythm on the offensive."

Gortat talked about how things are different without Steve Nash around, saying there are fewer pick and rolls that result in the center scoring points.

"Unfortunately, two of my strongest variants, the pick-and-roll and stock one-on-one with his back to the basket, has been taken from me. It is not easy. We now have lots of new licks that do not always come true, and at the same time I do not even take into account. In addition, on the dance floor do not understand so well with playmaker Goran Dragic as Steve. These are the things we need to work on."

Like we said, "loosely-translated", as nobody thinks Gortat's issues with the Dragic-led offense have anything to do with how the Slovenian point guard dances.

However, it seems as though Gortat, who is averaging 11 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game, believes he can do more. The center is taking two fewer shots per contest than he did last season, though to be fair he's also shooting a lower percentage.

That hasn't stopped him from believing he not only can do more, but should. And that he isn't a greater part of the offense is a sign that Suns coach Alvin Gentry may not be adapting his offense to suit the personnel.

"All my life I dealt with the hard work and now I have to go back. I will fight for her. I will try to prove to the coach that I can also play an important role in the attack. In coach Gentry's probably not an option I'm not offensive. It does not take me into consideration at all. The situation is critical. We play the same as a year ago, and the truth is that we are completely different players. Not quite what I think works."

Then again, Gentry was not the only one Gortat called out. No, Gortat talked about the Suns' offense and how there is not as much passing as in the past.

"We do not share the ball like we did in previous seasons. The ball does not circulate around the perimeter - usually ends in the administration of one or two people. In this way, you can not play and win. Basketball is a team game."

Despite all that, Gortat said he believes the Suns can still be a playoff team. He admitted to being less optimistic than he was one the season began, but said it would be wrong to give up on them just yet.

The site also reports that Gortat rejected a contract extension with the Suns, and that a handful of teams -- including the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic are interested in trading for him.

17 Comments   |   Join the conversation »
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    Jcraig33 wrote...
    LOL@Marshall
    I love how Gambo had such a chub for Marshall. Has he even seen the floor this season? That was a WASTED draft pick. That kid doesn't have the athleticism to play point guard at the NBA level. Just don't understand how Gambo loved him so much as a prospect.
  • Abuse
    mesa mad man wrote...
    @Jcraig33
    Thanks for your great insight. There are very few rookies that are actually making an impact this year, and of those even fewer are on winning teams. Marshall is a project. By the end of the year, he should be averaging double digit minutes. Right now he is buried behind Telfair because Bassy has provided a spark off the bench.
  • Abuse
    sundevil7901 wrote...
    Boo-Hoo, Gortat
    Gortat is where he is right now because the Suns gave him the opportunity to start everyday. It sticks that we finally get a top tier center and he complains. Trade him if you must, but there needs to be a center in return.
  • Abuse
    sundevil7901 wrote...
    Star
    If Babby and Blanks handle this like they have other recent moves, I can see them using Gortat to acquire a star player, someone to be the team's centerpiece.
  • Abuse
    Joe R. wrote...
    Trade Partner (if real) doesn't have to be Boston
    Gortat is solid and valuable. I realize that Boston wants him, but is that the Suns best option? Avery Bradley is ok, great D, young. I would prefer someone like Eric Bledsoe, all around great player, plays mean D and is the same age as Bradley. The Clippers have DeAndre and little else at C, lets now limit ourselves to Boston.
  • Abuse
    Joe R. wrote...
    Trade Partner (if real) doesn't have to be Boston
    ....not limit ourselves to Boston
  • Abuse
    AZSportsFan15 wrote...
    Gortat
    needs to know his role, shut his mouth, and work diligently on improving his hands. Gentry is 100% right that Gortat's strength is not his one on one play. Gortat has worked himself into a good not great player. Beasley is a mistake that this organization needs to minimize. He is shooting a measly 36%, turning the ball over consistently, and appears not to have his head in the games. Much depends on the next 10 games. If the suns can't get it going in the right direction, it might be best to have a fire sell and load up on draft picks.
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