Although Gortat was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2005, he chose to keep playing in Germany until 2007. Meanwhile, his draft rights had been traded to the Orlando Magic, who he signed with in 2007.
Gortat was the backup center for the All-Star Dwight Howard. Gortat was able to learn many things from Howard.
Gortat was already starting to impress in his first year with very limited minutes. This led to Gortat scoring a shoe deal with Reebok.