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After tallying 15 rebounds through three quarters, however, Gortat rode the pine until the game’s final four minutes. That was due, of course, to the fact that the lineup Phoenix had in at the time was working, but Gortat jokingly accused the coaching staff of foul play afterward, saying that they intentionally sat him so that he wouldn’t get to grab that elusive 20th rebound. “It was the third game (in a row) where we out-rebounded the other team, and if we’re going to continue doing such a great job on the boards, we’re going to put ourselves in a better position to win the game,” Gortat said. “About me, 17 rebounds, I think coach kind of sniffed out that I’m getting close to 20 boards, and he didn’t really want me to shoot that three,” he continued. “That’s why he put me on the bench. I’ve got to talk to him. I’ve definitely got to have a meeting with him, today or tomorrow.” NBCSports.com

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat 

Suns center Marcin Gortat is not saying that he does not believe he deserved to be an All-Star. He is just saying he did not expect to be. “I need a minimum of two years to be considered a true center who is dominating the game and putting up good numbers,” Gortat said. “I believe I can reach up to the level of (All-Star center picks) Andrew Bynum and Marc Gasol, definitely. It is just a question of working hard.” Tucson Citizen

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat 

Suns center Marcin Gortat feels like he might as well be playing with one hand tied behind his back. He said he has about another week of wearing a plastic splint on his right thumb which suffered a hairline fracture. It won't be soon enough for him. "The ball is bouncing off my plastic finger," Gortat said. "I can't catch the ball. I can't lay it in with the right hand because I can't control the ball. It's the main finger to control the ball. It's part of the game. I've got to get used to it. "I'm basically playing with one hand. It's so freaking uncomfortable. I'd feel better if I had this type of injury in my life but this is the first time. The ball is slipping out of my hands. It's frustrating." Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Injuries 

Marcin Gortat: Great start!!! Lost game and broken thumb!!! Awsome....last thing i need right now!!!! I got to say one thing free throws looks better with broken thumb than with a healty one:( Twitter

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Injuries 

Besiktas is now targeting Lamar Odom, Tyson Chandler and Nene. If the offers are rejected, Besiktas will sign Marcing Gortat. Twitter

Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Lamar Odom, Marcin Gortat, Tyson Chandler, Lockout, Turkey, Nene, Besiktas 

Emiliano Carchia: Article on NTVSport says that Marcin Gortat is the next target of Besiktas. Not that the Turkish team signed him. Via @sannti Twitter

Minnesota Timberwolves, Marcin Gortat, Lockout, Turkey, Besiktas 

Carlos Boozer, Kevin Love and Marcin Gortat have expressed interest in playing for Besiktas. Twitter

Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Carlos Boozer, Marcin Gortat, Lockout, Kevin Love, Turkey, Besiktas 

Kubilay Keceli: Boozer and Gortat are ready to sign with Besiktas but the team is interested in other players. Twitter

Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, Carlos Boozer, Marcin Gortat, Lockout, Turkey, Besiktas 

Gortat's agent, Guy Zucker, said Gortat would not play for Poland as he did when his country hosted the tournament in 2009 when he led all players in rebounding. Gortat has returned to his Orlando home to continue his off-season training. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Poland 

Gortat apparently told campers in Poland about how he was late for a film meeting on his first day with the Suns because he had asked Lopez where they start practice and went to the practice court. He also commented that Lopez had a chance to be the starting center and did not take it so he did. "There's no argument between me and him," Gortat said, feeling as though there was backlash to his comments. "The stuff that came out with what I said at the camp was just the first contact with Robin. I don't think there was any problem between me and him. Whatever happened didn't have any impact on me or on him. "We're still talking. We're still having the same conversation since Day 1. I don't think there's any problem in the team. I believe we're going to come back next year strong and hopefully we're going to fight for the starting job, me and him. It's going to be good for the team, hopefully. If he's going to win, then I'm going to try to be a strong player coming off the bench or opposite. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Robin Lopez 

Gortat said he will return to his home in Orlando soon and will call Steve Nash and Grant Hill to see if the Suns will organize any workouts for September, when they usually would have been gathering for informal workouts at US Airways Center in Phoenix. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash, Marcin Gortat, Grant Hill 

Polish NT won't have Marcin Gortat at Eurobasket due to complications regarding the NBA lockout and the proposed insurance coverage. "I am very disappointed I cannot play with the team at Eurobasket. Sportando

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Poland 

In the video, which we had translated by several sources, Gortat was asked about his relationship with Lopez and talked about their first meeting and then went on to describe his thoughts on winning the starting job from Lopez. The story was picked up by multiple outlets which prompted a response from Gortat via Twitter: Twitter / @MGortat: i see people trying to put ... i see people trying to put me in f... up spot!!!! I heard im dogging my team mate????I wish to talk to that person he said that! SB Nation

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Robin Lopez 

In the video below, Gortat is asked about his relationship with Lopez after Gortat beat him out for the starting center job. Gortat then proceeds to explain how his relationship with Lopez got off to a bad start.* Marcin said that on his first day in Phoenix he asked Robin if practice started on the court or with a video session. Robin told Marcin that he didn't know so Gortat went to the gym while Lopez went to watch video. According to Gortat, a coach came to get him and asked why he was late and Marcin said that he had asked Robin and was told he didn't know where practice was starting. The coach said everyone knew where they were supposed to be. Marcin took that as a sign of where things stood between himself and Lopez. SB Nation

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Robin Lopez 

In an email response to this story, Robin Lopez said they usually don't know if practice is going to start on the court or the video room, "so there's a good chance I just didn't know when he asked me." SB Nation

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Robin Lopez 

Gortat went on to talk about the opportunity that Lopez had to earn and keep the starting job. "This guy (Lopez) had such a big chance, such a big opportunity, to play in the best league. When I was Orlando, playing behind Dwight (Howard), I was praying to get a chance to play and he (Lopez) has had this chance for two years and he didn't take. So I thought, when you don't want it, there will be 50 persons behind you, waiting to take this chance, and then I came by and I took (it). Sorry, that's business, that's life." SB Nation

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Robin Lopez 

Center Marcin Gortat plans to play for Poland in the European Championship, which starts Aug. 31 in Lithuania, where Suns assistant coach Igor Kokoskov will lead Georgia as head coach. Arizona Republic

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Poland 

Agent Guy Zucker refuted reports that his client Marcin Gortat is headed to play in Russia next season. “I can assure you that the story claiming that he has reached an agreement with Spartak St. Petersburg of Russia, is incorrect,” Zucker said. “While I have a lot of respect for Spartak St. Petersburg and its GM, Alex Karvanen, Gortat has not signed with or reached an agreement with Spartak St. Petersburg or any club whatsoever.” HoopsHype

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Lockout, Russia 

"On July 22 I have scheduled a meeting with Spartak. Then, I will know all the contract details" said the Polish Hammer who started the season with Orlando Magic and then moved to Phoenix Suns with whom he averaged 13ppg and 9.3rpg in 55 games. Sportando

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Lockout, Russia 

Spartak Saint Petersburg made a strong market move. They have reportedly agreed on terms of contract with Marcin Gortat (213-C-84). The 27-year-old centre has been playing in the NBA since 2007. Last season Marcin Gortat started in the Orlando Magic. Eurobasket.com

Phoenix Suns, Marcin Gortat, Lockout