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Goga Bitadze Rumors
“My shooting is going to be the first I’m going to work on,” Bitadze said. “Because it’s already there, it’s got to be a different mindset. All I’ve got to do is just trust in it and it’s going to help this team moving forward offensively. I’ve just got to keep working.”
Bitadze’s summer plans also include competing for his home country, the Republic of Georgia, at EuroBasket, an international basketball competition that begins in late August. “I take that very seriously,” he said. “So, I’m going to prepare for that and I’ve got to stay in shape all summer. Hopefully, we win a lot of games with the national team. That’s the goal.”
Bobby Krivitsky: Kristaps Porzingis on playing to a fired up TD Garden crowd after getting bloodied by an inadvertent elbow to the forehead from Goga Bitadze: “I love my WWE moments for sure. It just happens…I always love engaging with the crowd…It was cool, it was fun.”
Cody Taylor: Goga Bitadze has cleared the concussion protocol and will be available to play tonight at Miami, the Magic announced.
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Jason Beede: "I feel good, man. Good to go," #Magic center Goga Bitadze (concussion protocol) said after shootaround in Miami. But: Bitadze still has to clear NBA concussion protocol before a decision is made about his availability tonight, coach Jamahl Mosley said.
“I used to sell watermelons with my father and uncle, and grapes too, at a small stand. I was really young, like six or seven years old, and yeah, I did a lot. I didn’t actually work at a supermarket; I just sold fruit and things, and sometimes that was fun,” says the Georgian, who was inspired in his childhood by Pau Gasol, having grown up admiring the player from Sant Boi. However, he acknowledges that it’s not easy to imitate him. “It’s hard to copy his game; he was a legend. He’s still a legend both here and in Europe, so it’s hard to model your game after him. But I watched him, just like I watched Marc Gasol,” highlights Bitadze, who is averaging nearly a double-double this season with 9.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 24.6 minutes, shooting 62% from the field. With an increasingly versatile skill set, the Gasol brothers are a major reference for the Georgian, especially now as he works on developing a consistent outside shot in the era of the three-pointer—something Bitadze currently lacks.
“The secret of Mega? Misko Raznatovic. If you know who he is, that’s the secret, that’s the guy. And also, rest in peace, Milojevic, who passed away recently,” emphasized Bitadze, highlighting the renowned Serbian agent who discovered Jokic, and Dejan Milojevic, who coached at Mega for eight years (2012-2020). Milojevic was instrumental in player development and passed away last year from a heart attack while serving as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors. Milojevic was also a familiar name in the Spanish ACB league, having played two years with Pamesa Valencia (2006-2008) during his career as a player. “He (Milojevic) raised all of us except Nikola Jovic and Topic. He raised Jokic, Zubac, and me—great guys. So, thanks to Deki (Milojevic’s nickname). May he rest in peace; he’s a great guy. There are two people there: Misko Raznatovic and Dejan Milojevic. Honestly, it’s them,” stressed Bitadze, who also spoke about his relationship with Nikola Jokic.
Jason Beede: #Magic guard Jalen Suggs (left quad contusion) and center Goga Bitadze (concussion protocol) are both listed as Questionable for Monday’s game at Miami. Gary Harris (left hamstring strain) remains OUT. #NBASky
Jason Beede: #Magic guard Jalen Suggs (low back strain) is officially AVAILABLE for tonight’s game vs. Detroit, the team said. Cole Anthony (illness) is also AVAILABLE tonight. Goga Bitadze (concussion protocol) remains OUT. #NBASky
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Jason Beede: #Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said Jalen Suggs (low back strain) and Cole Anthony (illness) went through Saturday shootaround. Goga Bitadze (concussion protocol) wasn't able to go through physical contact at shootaround. All 3 remain questionable for tonight’s game vs. Detroit.
Jason Beede: #Magic guard Jalen Suggs (low back strain) has been upgraded to Questionable for Saturday’s game vs. Detroit. The same goes for Goga Bitadze (concussion protocol). Bitadze, Suggs and Cole Anthony (illness) are all Questionable. Gary Harris (left hamstring strain) remains OUT.
Jason Beede: #Magic injury report for Tuesday’s game at Raptors: OUT - Jalen Suggs (low back strain) - Franz Wagner (return to competition reconditioning) - Goga Bitadze (concussion protocol) Questionable - Jett Howard (left ankle sprain) - Gary Harris (left hamstring strain) pic.x.com/79M3wzb92E
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