Complete grades for all 30 teams in the 2019 NBA Draft
Indiana Pacers
Goga Bitadze (No. 18)
The Indiana Pacers may already have defensive-ace Myles Turner occupying their center spot, but they decided to bulk up their big man depth with the selection of Goga Bitadze, who showed tremendous two-way upside last season.
He’s got more of a lumbering frame that can expose him on the perimeter defensively, but Bitadze is dominant near the rim, where he averaged 2.3 blocks per game in Georgia. With a great touch around the bucket along with bone-crushing screens, he is sure to function tremendously out of the pick-and-roll.
No. 18 Pick: Goga Bitadze, Indiana Pacers
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) June 21, 2019
Ranked 9th in the EuroLeague scoring efficiency among players using over 10 possessions per game (1.107 ppp). Ranked 2nd in the EuroLeague in Roll Man scoring (5.3 ppg)
Full Scouting Report: https://t.co/oXccpufLHi pic.twitter.com/gAS01HbDD6
Turner is just 23 years of age and recently agreed to a four-year extension to remain in the Hoosier State. He doesn’t appear to be heading elsewhere anytime soon. Why the Pacers felt the need to use their only first round pick on his backup is an interesting question.
Some backup insurance for Victor Oladipo would’ve been nice with the All-Star coming off a massive injury, and 3-point shooting is an aspect no team can ever truly have enough of. Despite Bitadze’s talent, with Indiana attempting to have itself taken seriously among Eastern Conference contenders, the front office missed a golden opportunity to improve in the areas that actually needed to be addressed.
Grade: B-