Wizards: Marcin Gortat Admits Failing as Leader During Feud With John Wall in 2018

ATLANTA, GA - John Wall (#2) of the Washington Wizards reacts after Marcin Gortat (#13) was charged with a foul against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on October 27, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo : Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Former Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat recalled an instance where he failed to step up as a leader on the team.

The Polish big man discussed the incident on the podcast "Point Game" with John Wall and C.J. Toledano, highlighting that it occurred amid a feud between him and Wall during the 2017-18 NBA season.

"John had a surgery... and he was out for a couple good months... I think I dropped the ball as a leader. We didn't even go to the hospital. We didn't even visit John. Not even mentioning driving to the hospital or going to his house. We didn't even send a freaking message," the 40-year-old told the hosts.

Gortat acknowledged that he and his teammates were at fault for not properly supporting Wall during his injury.

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Wall underwent surgery on his left knee in January 2018 to remove a bone spur and subsequently missed that year's NBA All-Star Game, which was the final selection of his career.

The John Wall-Marcin Gorat feud

Gortat and Wall were embroiled in a public feud sparked by a post from Gortat after a win implying that the team was performing better with Wall sidelined.

Wall responded by pointing out that Gortat received the most assists from him and benefited from numerous easy baskets.

Despite their heated past, the two appear to be on good terms now. Gortat shared on the podcast that Wall sent him a touching message upon his departure from the Wizards later that year.

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