Goga Bitadze could've gone anywhere this summer, but he returned to the Orlando Magic. Now he is fulfilling various roles, including the starting center position as of late, and the Magic are reaping the benefits of Bitadze's impact.
A first-round draft choice of the Indiana Pacers in 2019, inconsistent chances to play meant that Indiana viewed his skill set expendable enough to waive him in February 2023 – a potentially career-ending blow. But four days later, he signed with the Orlando Magic. Since then, those opportunities have been more plentiful.
"This is a business," Bitadze added. "You can get paid a little bit more somewhere else, but this is like home. How much this team has done for me, I feel like I've still got to give it back." "He's just steady," Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said after Bitadze's 10-point, 12-rebound double-double in Sunday night's 121-94 win over the Washington Wizards. "He stays ready the entire time, doesn’t say a word. When he’s asked to do something, he goes out and does it. He’s a great rim protector, does a great job in the pick-and-roll. He’s a facilitator on offense, getting guys in position and places on the floor.
Bitadze, however, downplays the transition from reserve to emergency starter – not out of cockiness, but as a testament to the organization's help in allowing him to succeed in the role.
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