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Clippers Sign Nikoloz Tskitishvili To Training Camp Deal

By Cameron Stewart

Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Los Angeles Clippers logo that will be unveiled during the 2015-16 season at press conference at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Los Angeles Clippers logo that will be unveiled during the 2015-16 season at press conference at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Clippers made an unlikely move on Thursday by signing Nikoloz Tskitishvili, the fifth overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, to a training camp contract.

If you remember Tskitishvili’s name, it’s probably for being one of the biggest busts in NBA history. Tskitishvili was drafted fifth overall during the peak of the international player craze of the mid-2000’s when every team was trying to draft the next Dirk Nowitzki or Pau Gasol. Fans were skeptical on a 19-year-old who averaged only 1.5 points and 1.0 rebound in six minutes per game in the EuroLeague and ended up being right. At 7’0, 225 lbs, Tsitishvili had the size and length of a big man but athletic with shooting touch like a guard.

Tskitishvili failed miserably in the NBA and the stats tell you everything you need to know. Tskitishvili’s career lasted only four seasons in which he averaged 2.9 points and 1.8 rebounds per game while shooting 30.4%. Bill Simmons referred to Tskitishvili as “the worst-case scenario for any foreign pick” and ESPN ranked Tskitishvili as the 30th biggest draft bust in sports history.

After being cut from the Knicks just before the 2006-07 season, Tskitishvili’s NBA career appeared to have come to an abrupt end. He returned to Europe and played in Italy and Spain. He made an appearance at the 2009 Summer League, an event that he was the inaugural MVP of back in 2004. His appearance didn’t amount to an NBA contract, and he’s played in various leagues overseas.

Tskitishvili has spoken about how he wants to make a return to the NBA and a shot to redeem his name. At age 32, he’ll get one more shot to latch onto an NBA roster. Just last month, Tskitishvili spoke to Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post about his determination to comeback and confidence that he’s able to.

"“I just turned 32, but I’m better. I’m better at this age. I got stronger. I’ve got confidence. I got smarter.”"

Tskitishvili’s deal is a non-guaranteed one, so he’ll have to make a big impact on Doc Rivers in order to solidify a roster spot. The Clippers have now have 16 players on their roster, with Tskitishvili and Chuck Hayes on non-guaranteed deals.

Tskitishvili’s first chance at redemption will come on October 2nd in the preseason opener against the team that invested the fifth overall pick on him, the Denver Nuggets.

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