Goga Bitadze had some harsh words to say about his Pacers tenure

In 2019, the Indiana Pacers selected center Goga Bitadze with the 18th overall pick. The Georgia native spent parts of four seasons with the team, splitting time in the NBA and the G League. However, early last year, the Pacers waived Bitadze. Just a few days later, he joined the Orlando Magic.

This summer, Bitadze was a free agent. However, he opted to remain in Orlando, signing a three-year, $25 million contract. Recently, he spoke about his decision to stay with the Magic and threw shade at the Pacers as well.

Goga Bitadze hints he was "not happy" in Indiana

Bitadze revealed that he opted to stay in Orlando simply because he felt wanted. Additionally, he took things a step further, hinting that he is happy with the Magic and would not say the same about his time with the Pacers.

“I still feel like I’m indebted with this team [with] how much they have done for me and my family,” Bitadze said. “Obviously, money is good and it helps in life but when you’re not happy somewhere, where you feel like nobody wants you to be there, it changes your whole life.”

In his first full season with the team, he appeared in 62 games and started 33 of them. On the year, he averaged 5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. He also shot a career-high 60.3% from the field. As he prepares for another campaign in Orlando, Bitadze will likely continue playing an important role.

It is fair for the 25-year-old to feel this way. Ultimately, the Pacers waived him after three-and-a-half seasons and never gave him a steady role. In Orlando, he has already established himself as an important part of the team, making the decision to re-sign with the team a no-brainer.

Given what the Pacers' center position looks like, especially how slim the depth is behind starter Myles Turner, it begs the question of whether the Pacers should have held on to him. However, on the other hand, Bitadze was never going to be more than a backup in Indiana, and current backup center Isaiah Jackson may be the better fit with the team anyway.

Regardless, Bitadze has found himself a solid role in the NBA despite the lackluster start to his career. And, according to the man himself, he is happy to be a part of the Magic roster. As the Magic and Pacers prepare for the start of the season, both teams are expected to make the playoffs. It would certainly be a worthy matchup if the two teams manage to face each other in the postseason.