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Orlando Magic can be title contenders if one unlikely star takes his EuroBasket form into the NBA season

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By James Shearman | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 10:13 AM ET

The Orlando Magic are expected to be much better than last season after making a significant move this summer.

The Magic traded Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and four first-round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane.

Bane will provide some much-needed shooting to Orlando’s backcourt and space the floor for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Another reason that the Magic could improve next season is the potential development of one role player into a starter.

Head coach Jamahl Mosley will be hoping that this player can transfer his form from EuroBasket 2025 into the NBA.

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Orlando Magic player takes leap at EuroBasket 2025

Four of the Magic’s five starters are obvious: Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, and Paolo Banchero.

Meanwhile, the Magic have three decent centers who could start on opening night: Wendell Carter Jr, Mo Wagner, and Goga Bitadze.

Well, Bitadze is making a strong claim to be Orlando’s first-choice big man with his performances at EuroBasket.

The Georgian center is averaging 19.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game at the tournament, but something else has stood out more.

Bitadze has made 46.7 percent of his three-point shots at EuroBasket, which is an excellent sign for the Magic.

If he can prove he is a reliable outside shooter in the NBA next season, it would allow Banchero and Wagner to dominate even more inside the paint.

Bitadze’s shooting could be a key factor in putting an end to the Magic’s offensive struggles in the playoffs, making them legitimate title contenders.

Photo by Filip Viranovski/FIBA via Getty Images

Orlando Magic players at EuroBasket 2025

Goga Bitadze is not the only Orlando Magic player representing his country at EuroBasket this summer.

Franz Wagner has led Germany to four consecutive wins, scoring the seventh-most points per game in the tournament (21.3).

Player	Teams	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Franz Wagner	Germany	21.3	4.8	3.8
Goga Bitadze	Georgia	19.3	7.3	0.7
Tristan Da Silva	Germany	10.3	3.5	0.8

per game stats via FIBA

Tristan Da Silva is also playing for the German national team this summer. He scored 25 points in their 120-57 victory against Great Britain on Monday.

Franz’s brother, Mo, is not participating in EuroBasket, as he is still recovering from the ACL injury he suffered last season.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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