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The Orlando Magic have exercised its right of first refusal and retained restricted free agent center Marcin Gortat, General Manager Otis Smith officially announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed. Orlando had seven days to match an offer sheet made to Gortat by Dallas on July 8.
“Having quality big men is an absolute must in our league, and Marcin (Gortat) has worked very hard to fit into that category,” said Smith. “He provides tremendous depth to our frontcourt and we’re happy to bring him back.”
Gortat (#13, 6’11”, 240, 2/17/84) played in 63 games last season with the Magic, averaging 3.8 ppg. and 4.5 rpg. in 12.6 minpg., while shooting .567 (106-187) from the field. He started in three outings, averaging 10.0 ppg., 11.7 rpg., 1.7 apg. and 3.00 blkpg. in 33.7 minpg. during that span. Gortat led (or tied) the team in rebounding seven times, including a career-high 18 rebounds on Apr. 13 @ Milwaukee. He recorded four double-doubles and scored a career-best 16 points on Dec. 15 @ Golden State. During the playoffs, Gortat appeared in all 24 games, averaging 3.3 ppg. and 3.2 rpg. in 11.3 minpg., while shooting .654 (34-52) from the floor, helping Orlando reach the NBA Finals.
Originally selected by Phoenix during the second round (57th overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft then traded to the Magic on draft night, Gortat has played in 69 career NBA regular season games, all with Orlando, averaging 3.7 ppg. and 4.4 rpg. in 12.1 minpg. He has also appeared in 32 career playoff games, averaging 2.8 ppg. and 2.6 rpg. in 10.0 minpg.
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