PHOENIX SUNS

Marcin Gortat won’t be punk’d by anyone

Apr 8, 2011, 7:49 PM | Updated: 8:58 pm

The knock on the Seven Seconds or Less versions of the Phoenix Suns was always that they lacked an edge. They lacked the defense, rebounding and mental toughness that it took to be successful when it counted. The team may be transitioning into a rebuilding — or is it retooling? — mode but they certainly don’t lack that attitude anymore thanks to center Marcin Gortat.

It’s tough to imagine someone nicknamed ‘The Polish Hammer’ would be anything but tough and since arriving in the Valley from Orlando Gortat hasn’t disappointed. Not only has he been an enforcer on the court for the Suns but he’s also been one off of it. He hasn’t been afraid to call out his new teammates when he isn’t happy with their effort, defense or rebounding.

“I’m not going to fool around and I’m not going to act like everything is fine if we are losing game at home against a team for example like Philadelphia 76ers where we give up 135 points,” the center told Sports 620 KTAR’s Doug and Wolf Friday. “I’m going to be the guy who is going to say something. I really don’t like to lose and I don’t like to give up 130 points. I feel like I was punk’d that day under the basket so I’m definitely going to say something.”

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Marcin Gortat won’t be punk’d by anyone