Goga Bitadze 'Really Good' in Magic Debut vs. Pacers
ORLANDO - When the Orlando Magic signed Goga Bitadze earlier this month, it was a low-risk, high-reward transaction.
Bitadze, the No. 18 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has talent but struggled to find a role with the Indiana Pacers, which triggered the team to waive him at the trade deadline.
Fast forward nearly three weeks later, and Bitadze was facing his former team in his Magic debut. In nine minutes of action, Bitadze scored six points and grabbed six rebounds and the Magic was a +7 with him on the court during the loss against the Pacers.
"I thought he was really good," head coach Jamahl Mosley said. "I thought his energy was good. I thought his toughness, obviously, going against his old team, his confidence level was great... I think just giving him a look, I thought was really good and I thought he performed well in that role."
Bitadze entered the game early large in part due to Jonathan Isaac (injury management) sitting out and Wendell Carter Jr. picking up three quick fouls in the first quarter. However, Bitadze helped the Magic pull out of a deficit and shined in his Magic debut.
It remains to be seen whether this will push Bitadze into the rotation full-time, but after a good first impression, it probably won't be the last time he sees the court for the Magic.
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