The Magic Insider

Orlando Magic's Goga Bitadze Has Busy Offseason Ahead After Career Year

Mar 29, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) looks for the pass against Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valančiūnas (17) in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images
Mar 29, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) looks for the pass against Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valančiūnas (17) in the fourth quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images | Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

In this story:


With his seventh NBA season in the books, Orlando Magic Center Goga Bitadze has a busy summer ahead.

Bitadze, 25, refuses to get complacent, He plans to attack the offseason with a strong work ethic.

"Hard work, that's the plan," Bitadze said. "Gotta get better; I think I've done that pretty much every year."

As the Magic battled injuries this season Bitadze was heavily relied upon. It led to career-high numbers. He earned 42 starts, averaging 7.2 points and 6.6 rebounds. Bitadze also displayed strong rim protection skills, averaging 1.4 blocks.

"I stayed ready," Bitadze said. "Whenever my name was called, I stepped up, I helped my team win."

Additionally, Bitadze recorded career-best 61 field goal percentage. Still, he wants to improve as a shooter.

It's already there; I just have to trust in it," Bitadze said. "It's going to help this team moving forward offensively. There is a lot to improve still, so the work starts now," Bitadze added. "It's not like it's the offseason, and I'm taking days off."

This summer, Bitadze returns home to his native Georgia to compete with the national team in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket. Georgia opens the tournament against Spain on Aug. 28 at the Spyros Kyprianou Arena in Cyprus.

"I take that very seriously, so I'm going to prepare for that and stay in shape all summer," Bitadze said. "Hopefully, we win a lot of games with the national team; that's the goal."

More Magic Coverage

Orlando Magic Could Add Consistent 20-Point Scorer

Jeff Weltman Says Orlando Magic Ready For A "Win-Now" Mindset

Pursuing Ja Morant May Not Be Worth Risk For Orlando Magic

Don Strouble is a contributor to the Magic Insider. He can be reached at dondrums727455@gmail.com

X: @DonDocuments407


Published | Modified
Don Strouble
DON STROUBLE

Don Strouble is a sports journalist who covers UCF athletics and the Orlando Magic. Strouble is a contributing member of the Black and Gold Banneret, the home for UCF athletics on SB Nation, as well as Fans First Sports Network. He hails from Northeast Ohio, where his love for Cleveland’s teams served as inspiration to work in the world of sports media.

Share on XFollow DonDocuments407