15 People who turned their backs on the Phoenix Suns

10. Marcin Gortat

Gortat was technically drafted by the Suns, but the pick was traded to Orlando in 2005. He arrived in Phoenix in 2010 in a deal that also saw the franchise acquire Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus, and a first-round selection.

The 6’11 big man got his first chance to start and broke out with the Suns. He was a seldom-used backup in Orlando behind Dwight Howard, but he developed strong chemistry with Steve Nash and the best year of his NBA career came in his first full season in Phoenix. Gortat averaged 15.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 32.0 minutes per game. Nash left for LA after that season, and things went downhill for his pick-and-roll partner.

Gortat’s numbers declined, and the Suns won just 25 games. It was an ugly season, and they had to make changes. The 6’11 big man was traded to Washington in a five-player deal in October 2013. Gortat was the Wizards starting center for five years before spending his final NBA season with the LA Clippers.

Marcin Gortat had been off the Suns for six years before taking shots at them. The 6’11 big man called them “the worst organization I’ve ever played for” and blasted their dysfunction in a podcast interview. He got a larger opportunity, but even that was not enough to prevent him from slamming the franchise after his playing career.