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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Washington Wizards

By Dennis Clausen

May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) reacts during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) reacts during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) dunks the ball as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) looks on in the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) dunks the ball as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) looks on in the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Make Marcin Gortat happy again

Marcin Gortat isn’t happy and has been vocal about how he had been used this past season. With the Wizards strapped for cash and Ian Mahinmi’s underwhelming productivity combined with his lack of play due to various injuries, now is not the time to get (or stay) on Gortat’s bad side. Gortat recently expressed his displeasure during an interview with ESPN.

Gortat is signed with the team until the end of the 2019 season and despite his advanced age, at least in NBA standards, he still managed to play in every game this season. The 33-year old was just as productive as ever, averaging 11 points and a career best 10 rebounds per game during the regular season.

Gortat was also important for Washington during the postseason. With Markieff Morris not at full strength during the Conference Semifinals due to a sprained ankle and the team hurting for depth and unable to count on other bigs like Jason Smith and Mahinmi for consistent production, Gortat was there. Not only was he there, he averaged 11 rebounds, eight points and nearly two blocks per contest.

Pulling the wool over the eyes of Ernie Grunfeld after his final season in Indiana, Mahinmi has not produced. However Gortat, who has only missed eight games during his time in Washington, has been a consistent performer who defined what a true center is all about. This season, Gortat ranked in the top 10 for centers in minutes per game, rebounds per game (both offensive and defensive), double-doubles and field goal percentage. You really can’t get more efficient that that.

As mentioned, Gortat is displeased and if Ernie Grunfeld lasts, it’s time that he gets his current house in order. It’s time to make Marcin Gortat happy again before somebody else does.