Orlando Magic Center Wendell Carter Jr. 'Really Excited' for Goga Bitadze

Goga Bitadze has really stepped up for the Orlando Magic in the absence of starting center Wendell Carter Jr.

When Orlando Magic starting center Wendell Carter Jr. injured his hand on Nov. 2 against the Utah Jazz, there were concerns about who would take his spot, but Goga Bitadze has risen to the challenge.

Nobody really gave Bitadze a chance when he was drafted with the 18th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, as he only played eight minutes per game in his rookie season. But now with the Magic, it seems that he has found a home.

The big man is averaging 7.1 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, and has also been very efficient shooting the ball. But the area that Bitadze's impact can be seen most is on the defensive end, as he is averaging 1.5 blocks per game, and has had five games with two or more blocks. Carter Jr. spoke more about the impact that Bitadze has had in a recent interview.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) shoots the ball in the third quarter guarded by Indiana Pacers center Goga Bitadze (88) at Amway Center / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

"He plays really hard on both ends of the court, really good defender, and he's a team player," Carter Jr. said. "And I think that's the trend that we have on his team that's very rare constantly is that for the first time that fits him, everybody plays the right way. So I'm really excited and happy for him."

Bitadze has been a welcome surprise so far this season, and if he can continue to be a consistent performer whenever Carter Jr. comes back, the Magic could be even more dangerous than it already has been this season.

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Bitadze and the rest of the Magic will be back in action tonight against Jordan Poole and the Washingon Wizards. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET in the Amway Center.