Dear Hornets: Trade Tyson, Sign Gortat

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Trading Tyson Chandler and signing Marcin Gortat to replace him should be our number one priority this offseason.

Rarely can you find a big man available who has big game experience, rebounds well (17 per 48), blocks well (3.2 per 48), shoots a good percentage, and is still in the beginning of his career.

The guy was essentially a rookie last year so he has lots of potential. His defense is way above average already and he doesn't seem to be a huge injury risk. I don't see the downside of at least offering him the mid-level.

Truth be told I'd rather have him than Chandler in our starting lineup next year. Even more so if that allows us to free up some future cap room to sign someone big in 2010.

Let's compare the two while keeping in mind that Gortat's sample size is extremely small since he played elsewhere before coming to the states.

Age—Tyson is a year and a half older and has likely peaked since he came into the league so young. Gortat has just started his accent to the pinnacle of his career.

Injuries—Tyson has a history of injuries and his toe problem appears to be real since OKC declined him as a gift earlier this year. Gortat has no known history of injuries.

Rebounding—Among guys who played over 40 games, Gortat was second in rebounds per 48 with 17.2. Tyson averaged 13.1 on a team that didn't have even one other decent rebounding big man.

Scoring—Tyson wins this one statistically thanks to CP3, but how many would he have scored without him? His offensive game is literally dunks and tip ins.

The last time I saw him make a jumper was three years ago in Chicago. His post moves are about as good as mine (which isn't a compliment).

I've seen Gortat hit fade away jumpers. I've even seen him beat someone one on one in the post.

Can anyone say the same for Tyson?  Gortat's offensive game will surprise many if he starts playing with Chris Paul. Just a guess, but it wouldn't be out of the question to see him average 14 or 15 points as the starting center in New Orleans next year.

Defense—Tyson is always heralded as being this great defender. Oddly enough though he isn't a great shotblocker (1.9 per 48). Gortat averaged 3.2 per 48 this year. 

Given that defense is hard to really judge based on stats alone I'll look to my subjective opinion for insight. Having seem both of them fairly extensively now (Tyson the last five years and Gortat in this year's playoffs), I wouldn't say that Gortat is far behind despite being so new to the league. 

Tyson is seemingly better at standing in the middle and clogging it up since he has longer arms, but is much better at forcing a defender to change his shot than he is at actually blocking it. Gortat is way better at forcing blocks inside the paint and much better at defending outside of it. When the Magic went big and defensive in the playoffs, look at who Dwight was paired with up top.

All in all, us Hornet fans want to see Gortat in a Hornet's jersey next year. He's the guy we could replace Tyson with for cheap without sacrificing much of anything. Done right, we might even acquire some young talent in the Tyson trade.

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