Do Mavs Think Gortat 'Can Be A Star'?

   If you read the report out of Poland (meaning, if you read at least a little Polish), you are left with the impression that the Mavs are enamored with center Marcin Gortat’s potential to “be a star!’’, are prepared to out-charm the Rockets for his services (though they've just offered him a deal), and have maybe even made a bid with a pledge that he’ll be the starting center in Dallas.

   The loose translation from SportPL suggests that somebody (Gortat’s people, or the author’s imagination?) is under the impression that: “Mark Cuban wants Gortat badly.’’ … That Cuban thinks Gortat should be a starter and that in Dallas he could become a star.’’ … That the Mavs “will pay Gortat more money than Houston or other teams. … And “that Gortat is the only center on Dallas’ prospects list.’’

   Some of that doesn’t seem right at all – but some of it also sounds what a suitor might say.

   Stateside, we know this about Dallas’ interest in the 25-year-old 7-footer who emerged as a force for the Magic in the NBA Playoffs:

   *He is absolutely on the Mavs’ wish list. … and very likely on Mark Cuban’s travel itinerary as soon as he’s done courting Jason Kidd.

    *He almost certainly has an offer or two on the table. Houston is the lead-pipe cinch to be one of those bidders, and the Mavs cannot be far behind. That bid figures to be at the MLE.

    *Dallas’ chances of pulling off a Sign-and-Trade seem a difficult fit. If it weren’t for obstacles like the CBA and BYC, a Brandon Bass-for-Gortat flip would be easy. But there are those obstacles, so, no, it doesn’t work that way. But inasmuch as Orlando wants Bass (they contacted him today) and the Mavs want Gortat, we’ve got The 75-Member Staff working on some creative ideas. …

    *Gortat is the son of an Olympic champion boxer, has the last name that mirrors a robot from "The Day The Earth Stood Still,'' has a controversial tattoo that shouldn't be controversial and played just 12 minutes a game last year.

    *But, in those 12 minutes, Gortat averaged 3.8 points and 4.5 rebounds backing up Dwight Howard last season as the Magic reached the NBA Finals. He's a restricted free agent, meaning the Magic can match any offer from another team to keep the player. – but Orlando has no plans to spend big money here. The Magic has already exceeded the expected luxury tax threshold and when Gortat gets his MLE of $5.6 mil, it will cost the Magic about $11 million in tax and salary to match an offer. Cleverly structured, the Mavs (or whomever) could front-load the deal to make it more imposing for Orlando and other bidders.

    Can the Mavs really “pay more’’ than competitors? No. But while they are trying to get the attention of the “Polish Hammer,’’ they at least have the attention of the Polish media.