Magic Sign 'G League Weapon' Goga Bitadze; Orlando Bargain?

The Indiana Pacers waived Goga Bitadze last week. Now, he's quickly found a new home with the Orlando Magic.

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is welcoming a new player to the team, signing former Indiana Pacers big man Goga Bitadze to a two-year contract with a club option for next season.

Bitadze, 23, was drafted No. 18 overall by the Pacers in 2019 but struggled to find his footing in a crowded Indiana frontcourt. Despite the release from the Pacers, there are still many who believe Bitadze can succeed in the NBA.

"I still think Goga is going to be a nice NBA player. I felt like early on he was a worker but he was kind of learning. I thought this year he worked as hard as he’s ever worked. I’m hopeful," Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard said.

The Magic also agreed with Pritchard, signing him to backup Wendell Carter Jr. and Moe Wagner at the center position.

To learn more about Bitadze, we spoke with All Pacers publisher Tony East, who graciously answered some questions about the newest Magic acquisition.

1. Why did Goga Bitadze not work out in Indiana?

Just too many other bigs in the mix. When he was drafted, the Pacers already had Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis, and they spent time during his rookie season chasing wins with big men like JaKarr Sampson. As the Pacers pivoted to a rebuild, they acquired Isaiah Jackson and Jalen Smith, so they had other young bigs, and Bitadze was only in the right spot in the rotation to get consistent play time during one stretch of his career (after the All-Star break in 2022.)

2. What are Bitadze's greatest strengths?

He reads the game well and understands patterns. Rarely out of position. His finishing around the basket has improved.

3. What are Bitadze's greatest weaknesses?

He's slow footed, so sometimes he can get beat even when he is in the right position. His shooting hasn't materialized despite being a weapon overseas and in the G League. He's not a good screen setter.

4. What's Bitadze's ceiling at this point in his NBA career?

Backup big man. He essentially proved he can play the role after the All-Star break in 2022, and he has always been better when given consistent opportunity. But it's unlikely he will become a starter.

---

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.