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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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  • Abuse
    rdgroce wrote...
    one of two or three things not working
    1. The offence does not run through Gortat, when has he ever been an offensive threat? 2. Beas does not deserve control of the ball coming up court, maybe if he played with his head in the 'whole' game? 3. Gentry cannot do any better than what we are seeing. 09-10 was all Steve Nash, just ask DAntoni'.
  • Abuse
    mesa mad man wrote...
    Trade
    Gortat for Avery Bradley and a pick? Id do the deal. Gortats a heck of a player, but he isnt going to resign when his contract is up in all likelihood, and he isnt a pillar of the community like Nash. Cut your ties now and get something of value.
  • Abuse
    DrSublime wrote...
    bye Marcin
    nice to finally have a legit center too bad the suns are a basement team trade him for someone young and a pick and seriously, give Beasley the ball more
  • Abuse
    DrSublime wrote...
    avery?
    they have to get something better the Avery Bradley back for Gortat.. he is a undersided shooting guard.. not an upgrade over Shannon Brown at all, just swap offense for defense w/ the two
  • Abuse
    mesa mad man wrote...
    avery plus pick
    thats why the pick is included. Bradley would be an excellent sixth man in my eyes. The pick could be used to package with the numerous other picks in the back pocket and perhaps move up to select a game changing SG in the draft. in my honest opinion, Brown is gone after this season. The team cant exist with him and Beasley demanding the ball, and if my calculations are right, they can cut ties with Brown for 1.5 million or so.
  • Abuse
    Jayy16 wrote...
    DrSublime
    Your insane, Beasley shouldn't be allowed to touch a medicine ball let alone a basketball. Stop this Beasley iso non-sense and go back to PnR with Gortat.
  • Abuse
    DrSublime wrote...
    Beasley
    Beasley is the best option the Suns have is he a MESS right now, yes does he have the most potential of any player on the Suns? by a long shot give him the ball and let him develop, if nothing is there then call bust, but this season is a bust already so might as well try to see what Beasley can do
  • Abuse
    Jayy16 wrote...
    I beg to differ..
    This season is salvageable if you bench Beasley right now. Goran is ready to break out if you give him a scoring partner in Marcin. Let Bease lead the second unit.
  • Abuse
    DrSublime wrote...
    salvageable?
    this season is a wash, we have no top tier talent, just a bunch of prospects (Beasley, Johnson, Morris, Marshall) and high mid tier talent (Gortat, Scola, Dragic) we have no 'star'... and in the NBA w/out a star player you are better off tanking... top picks are the only real way to get talent in a 'mid-market' which phoenix is.. we cant compete in FA w/ LA and NY play Beasley and the young guys and see whats there trage Gortat/Scola/Dudley/Brown for some picks
  • Abuse
    Jayy16 wrote...
    Ok...
    So what it boils down to....play Beasley so we can suck? Awesome.
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