Nov. 17, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat (4) dunks the ball during the game against the Miami Heat in the second half at US Airways Center. The Heat defeated the Suns 97-88. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE

With Darko Milicic now gone for the remainder of the season, the need for a true center in Boston has become even more pressing.  Enter the Polish Hammer.

Marcin Gortat is disenchanted with Alvin Gentry and the Phoenix Suns, and the Boston Celtics are said to be one of four teams interested in his services (the others include Orlando, Dallas and Chicago).

“Unfortunately… I’ve been doing the dirty work all my life, and now I have to come back to that. I will fight for what’s mine. I’ll try to prove to the coach that I can play an important role in the offence. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’m even an option for Gentry. He doesn’t even take me into consideration. The situation is critical. We’re playing the same thing we’ve been playing last year, but the truth is we have a completely different set of players. I don’t think it really works. I can’t get frustrated now though, I have to stay positive.” – Marcin Gortat

 

The Celtics could use Gortat to do some of that “dirty work” and the chances are that playing with an elite pass-first point guard like Rajon Rondo could elevate his production back to what it was last season and the year prior.  This year, playing with Goran Dragic, Gortat’s scoring has dipped by four points per game and his field goal percentage has plummeted from 55 percent last season to 51 percent this year.

The best part is that the C’s aren’t even mostly in need of Gortat’s scoring, though it would help.  His shot blocking presence and rebounding is what would help the most.  Gortat is blocking a career high three shots per game this season (nearly double what it was last year), and though the sample size is small, if Gortat could consistently just block two shots per game, it would make the C’s that much tougher against teams that have premier big men.

What could the C’s send to Phoenix in exchange for Gortat?  That’s the problem.  The Celtics don’t have many contracts that would align with Marcin Gortat’s, never mind the fact that Paul Pierce likely doesn’t interest the Suns, anyway.  To part with Gortat, it would likely require giving up Jared Sullinger.  But it would also be worth it.

Celtics GM Danny Ainge has long been lauded for his creativity in working with the salary cap and where there is a will there is a way.  Maybe that is an oversimplification, because if they can’t hammer out a deal that works with the league’s CBA, it simply can’t happen.

But Gortat apparently wants out of Phoenix, and Boston is interested.

Expect to see Danny Ainge push all in on this one.

Mar. 27, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center (4) Marcin Gortat takes a shot under pressure from San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker at the US Airways Center. The Spurs defeated the Suns 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The proposed trade I tinkered with on ESPN’s trade machine would send:

Paul Pierce and one or two first round picks to Phoenix

Phoenix gives up: former Bobcat Jared Dudley, Kansas product Markieff Morris, and Polish phenom Marcin Gortat.

The move would give Phoenix some young talent at power forward in Morris, a versatile swingman and role player in Dudley, and the heist of the trade: Gortat.

Gortat and Rajon Rondo would be a dynamic combination and Gortat is only 28, which means that he and Rondo could pair together for the duration of Gortat’s prime. Gortat needs a great point guard to play to the best of his potential (most big men do), and Rondo would fill the bill.

Gortat averaged 15.4 points per game and 10 rebounds per game playing alongside Nash. He’s also an above average defender and blocked 1.5 shots per game, which would help solidify the Boston interior defense. Along with Fab Melo, the duo could provide constant basket protection to the C’s.

Why would Phoenix do this trade? Simple: Pierce’s soon to be expiring deal would free up $18 million in cap space and the two first round picks would aid the rebuilding process. Two firsts may be too much, so maybe a first and a second rounder could be offered with Pierce in exchange for the trio.

April 24, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz power forward Paul Millsap (24) attempts to block the shot of Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) during the first quarter at Energy Solutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

The result would be a lineup that would look similar to this:

PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Courtney Lee / Avery Bradley
SF: Jeff Green
PF: Markieff Morris / Jared Sullinger
C: Marcin Gortat

Why no Brandon Bass? Bass could be dealt for a first round pick and Morris and Sullinger are younger options with higher upside. Jason Terry will be close to retiring and doesn’t represent a long term option.

The trio of Rondo – Green – Gortat is hardly a true “Big Three,” but it’s the kind of lineup that could be deceptively competitive and keep the C’s running deep into the Playoffs for years to come.