Former NBA center went to the frontlines in 2023 to witness the Ukraine-Russia war: "We saw some drastic scenes and heard heartbreaking stories"
- Former NBA player Marcin Gortat is actively supporting Ukraine by providing humanitarian aid to soldiers and civilians affected by the war.
It has been four years since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine that eventually escalated into a war. Among those who are greatly opposed to the raging conflict is former NBA player Marcin Gortat , who is concerned with the toll it is having on the civilians.
Gortat, who had a 12-year NBA career, has heavily criticized the Russian invasion and has gone to the frontlines to support Ukraine. The Polish big man, through his foundation and associates, is providing supplies like sleeping bags, medicines, tools, transportation and food to Ukrainian troops as they defend their sovereign state.
In an interview that came out on The U.S. Sun website in March 2023, Gortat opened up about his sentiments about the war, highlighting how hellish it has been not only for Ukrainian soldiers but also for civilians, who have to deal with alleged atrocities and war crimes of Russian troops.
"Due to my personal values and beliefs, I can't be indifferent to what's happening there," the former second-round pick in the 2005 NBA Draft shared .
"If a soldier shoots at an enemy soldier during a war, that's OK. [But if civilians end up dying] it is not a war," he added.
Involved in humanitarian efforts
His involvement in the efforts in Ukraine is nothing new to Gortat, now 42, because such actions are close to his heart, being a son to a Polish Army officer and having a background in military training.
While he has not been an active soldier or enlisted in his country's military, he has been involved in helping soldiers and their families through his non-profit foundation, where they do humanitarian work and outreach programs.
These are apart from what they do in helping Polish youth in finding scholarships and developing their talents through sports.
With what is happening in Ukraine, Gortat expressed hope that more countries and individuals would be invested in trying to bring an end to the conflict.
"We saw some drastic scenes and heard heartbreaking stories from people," Gortat moved to highlight.
He also appealed to the United States to look at the war from Ukraine's perspective, given its standing in global affairs and the key role it plays in the resolution of the conflict.
"America is the most powerful country in the world and has the greatest military. It's a bit like in school. If someone bullied my friend and I was strong and taller than anyone else in my class, I would defend him with all I had and for as long as I could. If America turns its back on Ukraine, unfortunately, it'll collapse," he said.
NBA as a platform
Gortat has been able to do what he is involved in now because the NBA provided him the platform to be seen and to be heard.
Throughout his run, which saw him make stops with the Orlando Magic , Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards and the Los Angeles Clippers, he made sure that he spoke about Poland, his foundation and what he was trying to do for his countrymen.
In the recent NBA Global Games between Orlando and Memphis held in London in January, Gortat participated as an NBA legend as a member of the Magic, joining various activities for fans and the community, a testament to his lasting impact while he was still playing.
There may be no signs yet of the Russia-Ukraine war ending anytime soon, but with people like the "Polish Machine" around, the world can be assured that efforts are being made to put a stop to it.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Mar 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
