Marcin Gortat, a renowned Polish professional basketball player, has been making waves in the gaming community with his lucrative deal with the NBA 2K series. The 40-year-old former NBA player, who played for teams such as Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers, has been enjoying a steady stream of income from the game.
Gortat recently revealed on the YouTube channel EkipaWK that he receives a significant amount of money for allowing the game developers to use his name and likeness in the game. „I signed a contract with the game producer, and I get paid for playing with my name,” he explained. The payment? A whopping $14,000 per month, which translates to approximately 57,000 PLN.
But what does Gortat do with this money? He treats himself to new gadgets, including a brand-new rifle. „I bought a new rifle with that money,” he revealed.
Aside from his gaming venture, Gortat also shared some insights into his signature move, the „Gortat screen.” This clever maneuver, which involves creating a path to the basket by partially giving up one’s own scoring opportunities, has become a hallmark of Gortat’s playing style. „You create a path for your partner to score, partially giving up your own scoring opportunities. Not everyone in the NBA wants to do that,” he said.
Gortat’s stats in the NBA are impressive, with an average of 9.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game over his 12-year career. His legacy in the NBA is undeniable, and his gaming venture is a testament to his enduring popularity.
The „Gortat Screen” Phenomenon
So, what exactly is the „Gortat screen”? According to Gortat, it’s a clever move that requires precision and timing. „I introduced those screens in New York, I remember exactly where and when it was. It was only because my tall teammate (Julius Randle) was completely failing me, which was partly a slap in the face for me. I noticed the moment when it clicked in my head, and I thought, 'This is going to work’.”
Gortat’s coach was initially opposed to the move, but eventually came around to its effectiveness. „It worked once, twice, three times, four times. After the game, the coach came to me and said, 'What you did was phenomenal, I’ve never seen anything like it. I saw it in the second, third, and fourth games, and by the fifth game, they were already calling it the 'Gortat screen’.”
Gortat’s legacy in the NBA is cemented, and his gaming venture is a testament to his enduring popularity. With his signature move and lucrative gaming deal, Gortat is still making waves in the basketball community.
Gaming and Esports in Poland
Poland has a thriving gaming community, with a growing number of professional gamers and esports teams. According to a report by Deloitte, the Polish gaming market was worth approximately 3.4 billion PLN in 2020, with an expected growth rate of 10% per annum.
The popularity of gaming in Poland is reflected in the country’s esports scene, with teams such as Virtus.pro and G2 Esports competing in international tournaments. The Polish government has also taken steps to support the gaming industry, with initiatives such as the Polish Games Association and the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage’s support for gaming and esports events.
Gortat’s gaming venture is a testament to the growing popularity of gaming in Poland, and his success is an inspiration to aspiring gamers and esports athletes across the country.