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What are we thinking about Goga after a few games?

I like the guy. He's smart, processes the game well, knows where to be and what to do. Defensively he's more or less just what we were looking for and we got him in the bargain bin.

Offensive game needs work, but he makes an ok tandem with Moe at PF, who can do the Offensive heavy lifting while GogaBit does the defensive stuff and screen setting etc.

Thoughts on him sticking around?

He is a better fit than Mo Wagner. Solid defensively, good rebounder(!!!). Could become our second string center easly. Question is what is his character and work ethic. Why Pacers gave up on him ? I remember some problems with him on the bench

I know he was injured quite a bit and buried behind two good centers. Plus he was drafted very young iirc and bigs need time.

It's not unusual to see centers get cut or traded for little after their rookie deals, because they haven't yet hit their straps.

jezzerinho wrote:What are we thinking about Goga after a few games?

I like the guy. He's smart, processes the game well, knows where to be and what to do. Defensively he's more or less just what we were looking for and we got him in the bargain bin.

Offensive game needs work, but he makes an ok tandem with Moe at PF, who can do the Offensive heavy lifting while GogaBit does the defensive stuff and screen setting etc.

Thoughts on him sticking around?

Bitadze is an absolut keeper.
Saw him in Europe years ago.
You could see that he has talent.

He is skilled, understands the game, and a big body willing to bang. Exactly what you need as a backup Center. This is why I've been preaching to not take project big guys like Bamba in the top 10 of the draft when you can find guys like Goga at a much lower costs as free agents or late 1sst rounder/2nd rounders.

The Wrath of Goga

I remember Mobley and Allen dominating us in previous games. With Goga playing, it seemed to neutralize them.

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Sample size so far is obviously very small, so stats don't make any sense. But the little details look promising.

High IQ and he’s huge. Not the best athlete but he’s effective on both ends. He’s like a poor man’s Marc gasol

Last Guardian wrote:High IQ and he’s huge. Not the best athlete but he’s effective on both ends. He’s like a poor man’s Marc gasol

Interesting comparison!

Another Great find by weham

I like him. I like the combo with Mo. I'd like to see him fill that power center role next season. A big rotation of WCJ, Goga, and Mo is good enough for me.

Even though I know it, I still struggle to remember he's just 23.

Goga is worth keeping and investing into developing. Sets good screens, rebounds well, defends and shoots some. Could be success not completely unlike Gortat.

I think Goga’s a keeper also. He and Mo Wagner are great “effort” bigs and smart players. I hope both guys get re-upped for longer deals. Marcin Gortat was mentioned, if Goga turned into that there’s no Magic fan that wouldn’t be thrilled. I hope the team invests in his development as well. He’s been the exact type of guy we needed to replace Bamba.

Bitadze and M-Wagner are both interesting bigs to develop. Each offers something to this team. They will have long-term careers in the NBA.

Keeping both allows for situational rotations. Plus: both play OG and I love that!

Goga 4th in NBA amongst bigs for Points per Possession as the Roll Man.

He and Franz have developed a real connection, as he has to a lesser extent with Black.

IF you create a spreadsheet full of individual stats, strengths, and skills...WCJ is better. But we just win with Goga and he's been infinitely more reliable than WCJ. Mo and Isaac are a very complimentary combo and both have roles, but Mo should never be a starter on a contending team. Point being, I'm very content with a rotation of Goga starting with Mo off the bench and Isaac as 3rd Center - if and when one is needed. I can't keep holding out and defending WCJ. It was a lot easier to justify being patient with Isaac when we were rebuilding and had cap space to burn (plus he's super-elite at what he does), but WCJ, while very good...isn't good enough to work around at this point in our team's progression. WCJ was very easy to build a case for when the description ended with "and on one of the most team-friendly deals in the NBA". His extension kills that argument.

I'm down with Goga starting until the day comes when we grab a Gafford or Claxton, etc...In the meantime, Goga may develop to be even better than those guys. He's still young. If WCJ can be the primary backup - maybe at 2 positions - great. WCJ's alleged floor spreading and ability to switch on D means he can play next to Mo, or Isaac, or even Goga at times. I'd certainly look at moving WCJ this summer, but his injuries and his new deal mean he's not as enticing as he may have been before.

Carter goes down and Orlando only loses 3 of their next 11 games - one of which against OKC- on a tough roadtrip.

Same thing happened last season when Goga and AB took over for the win streak.

Coincidence? Probably not.

VFX wrote:Carter goes down and Orlando only loses 3 of their next 11 games - one of which against OKC- on a tough roadtrip.

Same thing happened last season when Goga and AB took over for the win streak.

Coincidence? Probably not.

I didn’t think it was a coincidence last year and I don’t think it is now. He should be the starter IMO.

The really crazy thing is that he’s likely to get zero minutes and DNP-CD’s if Mose decides to start WCJ once he gets back.

thelead wrote:

VFX wrote:Carter goes down and Orlando only loses 3 of their next 11 games - one of which against OKC- on a tough roadtrip.

Same thing happened last season when Goga and AB took over for the win streak.

Coincidence? Probably not.

I didn’t think it was a coincidence last year and I don’t think it is now. He should be the starter IMO.

The really crazy thing is that he’s likely to get zero minutes and DNP-CD’s if Mose decides to start WCJ once he gets back.

We both know he will despite evidence supported by the W column.

But we are Magic fans and we live in insanity.

I also wouldnt be surprised at all if Goga is moved before Carter. Because this FO doesnt know what they are doing with any of the role players on this roster.