“ He's just consistent. » Jamahl Mosley cannot find a better adjective to describe Goga Bitadze. In the absence of Wendell Carter Jr, injured in the foot, the Georgian was promoted to the Magic's five by the coach.
A profitable promotion so far: 10.5 points (67%), 10.5 rebounds, 3 assists and almost 2 blocks on average, in 26 minutes, after four outings. Quite a statistical boost for him who only made three brief 5-minute appearances to start the season, before not playing the next four games.
“ He stays ready all the time. He doesn't say a word when asked to do something, he just goes and does it. He's a great rim protector, he does a good job in the pick-and-roll, he's a facilitator on offense, he puts guys in position in certain areas “, appreciates his coach.
The latter had already been able to get a good idea of the qualities of its interior last year. Starting 33 times in a similar context, he averaged 7.5 points (59% shooting), 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. “ He stands ready and that’s part of this team. There's always talk about the next player taking over and guys starting to fill that role with the absences of other guys. »
Awarded this summer
Starting with Paolo Banchero of course whose absence, coupled with that of Wendell Carter Jr, had a direct effect on the Magic's results: four defeats in a row, before the latest victories against the Pelicans and the Wizards.
Rewarded this summer with a three-year, $25 million contract, Goga Bitadze, drafted in 18th position in 2019 by the Pacers, seems to like Florida. “ The guys and the staff make it easy. When you're having fun every practice, every day with these guys, playing time isn't that important. It's not that difficult. I'm doing this for the sixth year, I'm ready », he displays.
We can still imagine his satisfaction in stringing together good performances at the moment. Never since his arrival in the Great League has he averaged a double-double over four games.
The one he usually replaces announced on the sidelines next night against the Hornets, he has the opportunity to prolong the pleasure. “ If I have to start, I will start and I will do what it takes for the team to win. That's what I'm trying to do. I work hard, it pays and as long as we win, everyone is happy », he finishes.
| Goga Bitadze | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | IND | 54 | 9 | 46.7 | 19.0 | 72.7 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 3.2 |
| 2020-21 | IND | 45 | 13 | 42.8 | 25.3 | 73.8 | 1.3 | 2.0 | 3.3 | 0.8 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 1.3 | 5.1 |
| 2021-22 | IND | 50 | 15 | 52.0 | 28.8 | 68.1 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 3.5 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 7.0 |
| 2022-23 * | All Teams | 38 | 12 | 55.2 | 23.1 | 54.8 | 1.6 | 2.0 | 3.6 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 4.4 |
| 2022-23 * | IND | 21 | 10 | 51.9 | 28.6 | 45.8 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 3.3 |
| 2022-23 * | ENT | 17 | 15 | 57.5 | 16.7 | 66.7 | 2.1 | 3.1 | 5.2 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 5.8 |
| 2023-24 | ENT | 62 | 15 | 60.3 | 14.3 | 65.5 | 1.8 | 2.9 | 4.6 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 5.0 |
| 2024-25 | ENT | 7 | 17 | 64.7 | 0.0 | 60.0 | 2.9 | 3.9 | 6.7 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 6.7 |
| Total | 256 | 13 | 52.0 | 24.1 | 67.1 | 1.4 | 2.1 | 3.5 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 5.0 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
