# Marcin Gortat > Polish basketball player **Wikidata**: [Q358723](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q358723) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcin_Gortat) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/marcin-gortat ## Summary Marcin Gortat is a Polish professional basketball player known for his career in both European and American basketball leagues. He is recognized for his contributions to the sport, particularly during his tenure with the NBA's Washington Wizards, where he became a key player and fan favorite. ## Biography - Born: February 17, 1984 - Nationality: Poland - Education: Not specified - Known for: Professional basketball career, primarily as a center - Employer(s): Washington Wizards (NBA), Orlando Magic (NBA), various Polish clubs - Field(s): Basketball, Sports ## Contributions Marcin Gortat has made significant contributions to professional basketball through his performance on the court and representation of Polish athletes internationally: - Played as a center in the NBA, most notably for the Washington Wizards, where he became a consistent double-double producer. - Represented Poland in international competitions, contributing to the visibility of Polish basketball on the global stage. - Maintained a strong presence in social media and brand partnerships, including his personal website (mg13.com.pl) and verified social media accounts, which have helped promote Polish sports culture. ## FAQs **Where was Marcin Gortat born?** Marcin Gortat was born in Poland, though the specific city is not mentioned in the source material. **What is Marcin Gortat's height and weight?** He is 211 cm (approximately 6 feet 11 inches) tall and weighs 116 kg (approximately 256 pounds). **What teams has Marcin Gortat played for?** Gortat played for several teams, including the Washington Wizards and Orlando Magic in the NBA, as well as various clubs in Poland earlier in his career. **What are Marcin Gortat's career statistics?** His career statistics include averages of around 10.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the NBA, with peak performance during his time with the Washington Wizards. **Has Marcin Gortat received any awards?** Yes, he has received multiple recognitions, including the Order of the Smile, honorary citizenship of Łódź, and other honors within Poland. **What is Marcin Gortat's jersey number?** His NBA jersey number was 13, which he wore during his time with the Washington Wizards and Orlando Magic. **Is Marcin Gortat active on social media?** Yes, he maintains verified accounts on platforms such as Twitter (@MGortat), Instagram (mgortat13), and Facebook (marcingortat.MG13). ## Why They Matter Marcin Gortat matters as one of the most prominent Polish basketball players to have succeeded in the NBA. His career has inspired a new generation of athletes in Poland and demonstrated that European players can thrive in one of the world’s most competitive basketball leagues. Beyond his on-court performance, Gortat has contributed to the global recognition of Polish sports figures and has used his platform to promote basketball in his home country. ## Notable For - Being one of Poland’s most recognized basketball players in the NBA - Consistent double-double performances during his tenure with the Washington Wizards - Representing Poland in international basketball competitions - Maintaining a strong digital presence that promotes Polish sports culture - Receiving the Order of the Smile and honorary citizenship of Łódź - Playing a key role in elevating the profile of Polish athletes in global sports ## Body ### Early Life and Career Marcin Gortat was born on February 17, 1984. His early career began in Poland, where he played for various local clubs before transitioning to professional leagues abroad. His physical attributes—standing 211 cm tall and weighing 116 kg—made him a natural fit for the center position in basketball. ### NBA Career Gortat gained prominence during his time in the NBA, particularly with the Washington Wizards, where he became a consistent double-double producer. His career averages included approximately 10.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. He also played for the Orlando Magic, further solidifying his reputation in the league. His jersey number, 13, became synonymous with his identity on the court. ### International Representation As a Polish national, Gortat represented his country in international competitions, contributing to the visibility and development of basketball in Poland. His success in the NBA served as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in his home country. ### Digital Presence and Branding Gortat maintained a strong digital presence, with a personal website (mg13.com.pl) and verified social media accounts, including: - Twitter: @MGortat - Instagram: mgortat13 - Facebook: marcingortat.MG13 These platforms allowed him to connect with fans and promote Polish sports culture. ### Recognition and Awards Throughout his career, Gortat received several honors: - **Order of the Smile**, an international award originating in Poland - **Honorary citizen of Łódź**, recognizing his contributions to the city and sports These awards underscore his impact not only as an athlete but also as a cultural figure in Poland. ### Personal and Professional Statistics - **Height**: 211 cm (6 feet 11 inches) - **Weight**: 116 kg (256 lbs) - **NBA Career**: Notable stints with the Washington Wizards and Orlando Magic - **Jersey Number**: 13 - **Career Averages**: ~10.8 points, ~9.3 rebounds per game - **Professional Start**: 2003 ### Legacy and Influence Marcin Gortat’s legacy lies in his role as a trailblazer for Polish athletes in the NBA. His career has helped shift perceptions of European basketball players and has opened doors for future generations. His influence extends beyond statistics, as he has become a symbol of perseverance and excellence for Polish sports. ## References 1. FIBA database 2. RealGM 3. National Basketball Association 4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013