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Orlando Magic: 15 best draft picks of all time

By Philip Rossman-Reich

AUBURN HILLS, MI - JUNE 30: Chris Webber, number one overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, shakes hands with Penny Hardaway, number three overall pick by the Orlando Magic, during the NBA Draft at The Palace of Auburn Hills on June 30, 1993 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - JUNE 30: Chris Webber, number one overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, shakes hands with Penny Hardaway, number three overall pick by the Orlando Magic, during the NBA Draft at The Palace of Auburn Hills on June 30, 1993 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1993 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Marcin Gortat, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO , FL – DECEMBER 18: Marcin Gortat #13 of the Orlando Magic goes for a dunk during warmups prior to taking on the San Antonio Spurs on December 18, 2008 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Magic won 90-78. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. 12. player. 38. Scouting Report. C. Poland. Marcin Gortat

2005 — Round 2, Pick 57

The Orlando Magic acquired the little-known center from Poland in 2005 for cash considerations. It was a typical trade for a foreign player late in the second round. These players rarely make it over.

The Magic had Marcin Gortat play in their Summer League for a few years, but they largely kept him away. Marcin Gortat was a Summer League hall of famer not as much for his play and more for that he showed up every year. And there seemed little prospect of him coming over to the United States.

But each year, he seemed to impress a bit more. Here was a big bodied center, not afraid to throw his weight around with soft hands and a good defensive instinct. It was just a matter of finding space for him on the roster.

Eventually, Stan Van Gundy brought him over. And Gortat sat on the bench during the 2008 season. He was the victory cigar for that year as the Magic began to emerge with Dwight Howard.

Gortat kept working hard and became Howard’s main backup. His 11-point, 15-rebound performance in a series-clinching Game 6 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round cemented his place not only as a fan favorite but in the Magic’s rotation. He was key to the team’s run to the NBA Finals that year.

And he became a fixture for the team the rest of his Magic tenure. A true Summer League-to-starter story. Of course, there was no way he could start with Howard on the team. He eventually would need to go elsewhere to get that opportunity. But it was clearly an opportunity he deserved.