When the Pacers waived Goga Bitadze in early February last year, the 6-11 center who the franchise drafted 18th in 2019 thought he was going to be out of the NBA. Fast forward to this summer ...

A potential option is Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze. Bitadze, 25, saw an expanded role last season following the injury to Moritz Wagner.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Hours before Goga Bitadze cleared concussion protocol and became available to play Monday, the Orlando Magic center lowered his expectations.

Orlando continued to fight hard on the court without Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. But poor shooting limited the Magic’s success.

Goga Bitadze and Jett Howard were impressive in the starting lineup for the Magic in their preseason game in San Antonio.

2mo After a big block on one end, Goga Bitadze throws down a dunk on the other against the Boston Celtics in Game 2.

Goga Bitadze was stunned as he mistakenly thought Kristaps Porzingis was ejected, only to realize it was actually him.

The Orlando big man Goga Bitadze seemed to grab at Kristaps Porzingis’ throat and Magic teammate Jalen Suggs bearhugged Porzingis to keep things from escalating at Kia Center on Monday.

TOP PERFORMERS: Goga Bitadze is averaging 9.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks for the Magic. Michael Porter Jr. is shooting 51.4% and averaging 18.3 points for the Nuggets.

Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze faces as uncertain summer as he tests the free agent market.

Goga Bitadze was ejected following an altercation with Kristaps Porzingis in the Orlando Magic's 108-104 win over the Boston Celtics.

Bitadze (foot) is available to play Monday against the Thunder, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports. Bitadze will shake off his questionable tag and return from a five-game absence.