Magic Keeping Goga Bitadze; Backup Center Next Season?
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is set welcoming back a familiar face.
The team announced Thursday that Goga Bitadze's team option would be picked up. The Magic also declined the options for veteran point guard Michael Carter-Williams and defensive wing Admiral Schofield.
After signing with the team in February, Bitadze played in 17 games and averaged 5.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He took over Mo Bamba's spot in the rotation after he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers and was serviceable. At just 23 years old, Bitadze is still developing and could have an impact for the team next season if he stays aboard.
The decision likely hingd on what the Magic did in the NBA Draft last week. Given the fact that Orlando had two lottery picks, the Magic could have taken a center that could eclipse Bitadze's role in the rotation. However, the Magic opted not to take a center, meaning Bitadze's chances of remaining on the roster will increase.
The team could still look into signing a center better than Bitadze to backup Wendell Carter Jr.
Moe Wagner is a likely candidate to be re-signed, while the likes of Drew Eubanks (Portland Trail Blazers) or Thomas Bryant (Denver Nuggets) also make sense for the team to sign.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.
Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.
Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.
Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
