Just need to say a few things, this is for BobRossIsSoCool as he technically won the 100 followers grid thingy. So yeah I guess you are seeing another article from me, eh it’s probably bad. Please understand three things.
I have no ball knowledge (mentioned ts more than enough times)
All stats are from google or Wikipedia, if they are wrong thats my fault.
This article is a lot more boring and a lot longer than the Derrick White article. (Yay😑 goody I can feel the enthusiasm)
Oh and this isn’t an argument this is yap and most likely more of a waste of time than it is of entertainment or something. So because it’s not argumentative than understand, im not here for debate as I would refer to the article.
Goga Bitadze was born in Sagarejo, Georgia and his basketball journey began at age six, inspired by his father, Gocha Bitadze he was a former professional player whose career was cut short by injury. Goga had growth and became into an active and tall child. He idolized stars like Zaza Pachulia and Shaq. When he joined a youth place. He quickly dominated the Georgian youth. leading his school team, Hyundai to an under-14 national championship in 2013🎉 and averaging a massive 23.1 ppg and 16.6 rpg. During his final under-16 season while training with VITA Tbilisi. He transitioned to the professional ranks with VITA Tbilisi in the VTB United League before moving to the Serbian club Mega Basket in 2015, which included a short stint with Smederevo. Bitadze's European career skyrocketed during the 2017 - 2018 season when he was named the Junior ABA League MVP for Mega Basket, followed by a stint to Budućnost where he earned the prestigious EuroLeague Rising Star award for the 2018 - 2019 season. On the international stage, after representing Georgia at the junior level, he debuted for the senior national team at EuroBasket 2017 and participated in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers that same year. His rapid development caught the attention of NBA scouts…
With the 18th pick in the 2019 NBA draft the Indiana Pacers select Goga Bitadze. Following his selection in the 2019 NBA draft, the Indiana Pacers signed Goga Bitadze to his rookie contract. Shortly after, on October 28, 2019, Bitadze made his official NBA debut by coming off the bench against the Cleveland Cavaliers, recording two points and one rebound in a 110–99 loss. In his rookie season he spent most of the year developing and saw limited minutes. Sitting behind Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis. In the minutes he did play though he showed rim protection and finishing ability. for his next season he gradually earned more NBA minutes, especially in lineups when the pacers needed a traditional rim protector and lob threat. Although he showed improvement in pick and roll situations, finishing, offensive rebounding, and shot-blocking. Goga still struggled with perimeter defense, lateral quickness, and consistency on offense, which limited his role to still just a few minutes and occasional starts. In his next season of Goga time at the pacers, with roster changes and injuries. Bitadze received increased playing time at points and produced some of his best NBA stretches, showing improved scoring efficiency around the rim, shot blocking, and occasional stretch passing. He provided depth at center and became a better player. But despite flashes, concerns remained. Indiana’s frontcourt competition with Myles Turner, later acquisitions that I can’t seem to find for some reason and of course, evolving lineup needs. He reduced his long term upside in the rotation. After three and a half seasons with the Indiana Pacers, the team waived Bitadze.
Now from 2019 – 2021 he played for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Now it wasn’t the worst as Bitadze got to play at Indiana’s G League affiliate, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. For developmental minutes and game reps while adjusting to the NBA game. Anyways here were some notable games from him.
Dec 15, 2021 — vs. Grand Rapids Gold: 38 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast (Mad Ants win).
Dec 21, 2019 — vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce: efficient short stint with rebounds andblocks (limited minutes).
Jan 15, 2022 (assignment note referencing Dec 15, 2021 performance) Pacers assigned Bitadze after his 38‑point game noted above.
Later in the future because of the pandemic, G League scheduling and assignments were irregular and strange. Bitadze's G League appearances were fewer and he spent more time with Pacers as the NBA resumed a more condensed schedule. But I really can’t find much here about his time in the g league so I’ll just end it here.
On February 13, 2023, Goga Bitadze signed a rest of season contract with the Orlando Magic, officially joining the team for the remainder of that campaign. When Goga Bitadze arrived in Orlando on a rest of season deal in early 2023, he was viewed primarily as a depth piece and most people wouldn’t have expected him to do much. However he quickly proved a big contributor and integrating into the Magics physical and defensive minded culture. Over his seasons in Orlando, Bitadze transformed into a premier backup center and an incredibly reliable spot starter. Whenever injuries hit starting center Wendell Carter Jr, Goga stepped into the starting lineup and anchored the team to the best of his ability. His time in Orlando has been defined by highly efficient inside scoring frequently shooting well over 60% from the field combined with high basketball IQ, rim protection and rebounding. When thrust into a heavy starting role due to frontcourt injuries, Bitadze went on an absolute tear. During a dominant December 2024 stretch or season (however you want to describe it). He put up stellar starting numbers, averaging 10.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. During one particularly notable 3 game span, he became one of only three Magic players in a decade to record over 40+ points, 30+ rebounds, 6+ steals, and 6+ blocks collectively. Later In a crucial victory against the New York Knicks, Goga suffocated the paint, registering a 14-point, 11-rebound, 3-assist, and 2-block stat line that drew immense praise from head coach Jamahl Mosley for his masterclass in pick and roll defense. And later again proving his sustained value, Bitadze weaponized everything in a game against the Chicago Bulls going for 15 points on an elite 6 of 7 (no 67 joke!!) shooting night while pulling down 11 rebounds and getting 2 blocks in just 16 minutes of game time. After showcasing his value to the franchise, he secured his long-term future with the team on July 6, 2024, by re-signing with the Magic on a three-year - $25 million contract.
Before I continue talking about what will be the most important part of this article, I’ll talk about his international career as when looking though Wikipedia it was pretty interesting. Goga Bitadze's journey in international basketball began early, as he showcased his talent with the Georgian under 17 team during the 2015 FIBA Europe Under 16 Championship Division B. He impressed with averages of 14.2 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. His standout moment came against Sweden, where he poured in 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. In 2016, Bitadze moved up to the under-18 team, where he continued his impressive performance at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship Division B. Here, he averaged a double-double with 11.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks per game, highlighted by a commanding 23-point, 13-rebound, and 9-block game against Bulgaria. By the time he joined the under 20 team in 2017, Bitadze maintained his strong form with averages of 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds. This paved the way for his selection to the senior national team for EuroBasket 2017. Unfortunately, a calf ligament injury sidelined him, but he made the most of the situation by learning from seasoned players like Zaza Pachulia and Giorgi Shermadini. Bitadze officially debuted with the senior team on November 24, 2017, during the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, contributing 4 points in 17 minutes against Germany. And by EuroBasket 2025, Bitadze had become a pivotal figure for Georgia, leading the team in scoring and blocks. His performance was instrumental in a memorable campaign that saw Georgia achieve a significant upset over France in the Round of 16, propelling them to the quarterfinals.
How his rise came about (the part BobRossIsSoCool wanted to see)
Goga Bitadze's journey from being overlooked in the NBA to becoming a vital $25 million center shows how aligning with the right team can revive a career. In Indiana, Bitadze struggled. The Pacers kept changing their strategy, leaving him without a defined role or the playing time he needed to adapt to the NBA's speed and physicality. Many thought he would become another European player whose skills didn't fit the league. But the magic however, his breakthrough in Orlando was the result of professional growth, physical adaptation, and finding a team that suited him perfectly. When the Magic brought him on board, they didn't expect him to be a savior. Instead, they wanted him to embrace their tough, defense focused culture. Bitadze shed the pressure of being a high draft pick and focused on the hard work. He used his impressive 6 foot 11, 250 pound frame to dominate in the paint and revamped his offensive game, excelling in the pick and roll. His 7’2 wingspan helped him become a standout rim protector. What truly helped his success was his mental resilience and determination. In Orlando, playing time wasn't guaranteed; he had to earn it, competing with Wendell Carter Jr. Rather than losing motivation, Bitadze approached each practice with intensity. When injuries struck the Magic's frontcourt, he stepped up, not just filling in but enhancing the team's performance. His scoring efficiency soared to an impressive 65% as he focused on dominating inside rather than taking forced outside shots. By combining this offensive prowess with strong defensive instincts and tireless rebounding, he made it impossible for coach Jamahl Mosley to keep him off the court. Bitadze didn't just rely on luck; he prepared tirelessly, transforming himself from a low-risk acquisition into a cornerstone for the franchise.
Thanks for reading, here is a duck roll for no reason😃
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