Marcin Gortat: Poland ‘pissed off’ he isn’t in NBA All-Star Game

By Charles Rahrig V | Jan 31, 2015

Jan 24, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) shoots over Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

The Washington Wizards’ center’s native country is not happy he isn’t in the All-Star game

Marcin Gortat has been a tremendous acquisition for the Washington Wizards ever since they acquired him from the Phoenix Suns. After a strong showing in the playoffs last year before they fell to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Wizards awarded Gortat with a big contract. This year he was the biggest All-Star snub in the Eastern Conference and the big man isn’t happy about it.

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Gortat ended up being the odd man out in All-Star fan voting, as he finished fourth behind the Cavaliers’ Lebron James, the Bulls’ Pau Gasol and the Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony.

The fact Gortat was able to compete with the likes of those names in fan voting is incredible to begin with, and with him being the anchor down low for Washington, who is one of the best in the Eastern Conference, he surely did deserve a spot in New York City for the game.

Gortat believes politics and not having enough Twitter followers got in the way of him representing the East. He also noted that the people of his home country are not happy at all, either.

Gortat cited politics & fewer Twitter followers than other players as reasons for not making the all-star team. Said Poland is “pissed off.”
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) January 30, 2015

Gortat isn’t wrong, as fan votes typically ruin the voting process as it becomes a popularity contest rather than rewarding the guys with successful seasons who have earned a trip to the game.

With people being able to tweet and retweet votes, it gave a huge advantage to the superstars with giant Twitter followings. The fact he then got snubbed in the coaches vote for reserves is even more outraging to Gortat and the people of Poland who voted for him.

It’s understandable that the Atlanta Hawks, who have won 18 games in a row, to have two reserve guys along with a starter make it and they could have potentially had a fourth in Kyle Korver.

However, the fact that the Miami Heat, who have a losing record, got two guys in is a big indicator that popularity wins out in the selection process, much like the Oklahoma City Thunder, who aren’t in a playoff position currently, had two guys who have missed time this season make it.

Gortat could get in if Wade decides to heal up nagging injuries and sit out. Gortat and Poland have a reason to be angry about the process, as it doesn’t always reward those having great years.

[H/T: TheBigLead]

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