NBA

#18 – Goga Bitadze – Indiana Pacers

With the 18th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers have selected Goga Bitadze.

Alan Draper profile picture
Sports Editor
Disclosure
We sometimes use affiliate links in our content, when clicking on those we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you. By using this website you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy.
Goga_Blitazde

The Indiana Pacers selected international bigman Goga Bitadze with the 18th pick in the draft. Bitadze played well in the Euro league, demonstrating tantalizing offensive prowess. Bitadze has a nice touch around the basket and is competent with the ball whether scoring or moving the ball. Bitadze also brings viable shot blocking abilities on the defensive end to the Pacers. However, on that end of the court Bitasdze will have to improve his footwork and lateral mobility to defend effectively in space. If he is unable to do so, Bitadze could find himself being targeted in pick-and-roll actions and could see himelf on the bench more often than he would like as a result. Look for this to be a major hurdle for him as he transitions to the NBA.

The Pacers already made news earlier today after acquiring forward T.J. Warren from the Phoenix Suns. Adding Warren and now Bitadze alongside Pacers big men Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner is an interesting development. The Pacers already have to be creative to keep their best players on the court at the same time as Sabonis and Turner tend to occupy similar size and positions.

With Bitadze, the Pacers have another talented center who will have difficulty breaking through the rotation anytime soon barring injury or perhaps additional trades that shake up the roster. However, he should have plenty of time to develop his body and comfort level with the NBA and can learn under some of the better young big men in the NBA in Sabonis and Turner.

Alan is an expert gambling writer who works as one of the chief editors for Basketball Insiders. He has been covering online gambling and sports betting for over 8 years, having written for the likes of Sportlens, Compare.bet, The Sports Daily, 90min, and TopRatedCasinos.co.uk. His particular specialisms include US online casinos and gambling regulations, and soccer and basketball betting. Based in London, Alan holds an MA in English Literature and is a passionate supporter of Chelsea FC.

Trending Now