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Indiana Pacers: Ranking the last 10 first-round picks

By Holden Walter-Warner

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 23: Paul George #13 and Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers react in the second half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 23, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 106-102 to sweep the series 4-0. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - APRIL 23: Paul George #13 and Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers react in the second half of Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 23, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cavaliers defeated the Pacers 106-102 to sweep the series 4-0. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Indiana Pacers Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images
Indiana Pacers Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images /

7. Goga Bitadze

The jury is out on Goga Bitadze, as he’s still in the midst of his rookie season. Early returns aren’t outstanding for the big man, but there’s some promise that better days will be ahead for the center.

Bitadze is the most recent first-round pick of the Pacers, selected with the 18th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Prior to this season, the Georgian dominated the Adriatic League, winning MVP of the competition in 2019 after leading the league in blocks.

Shot blocking ability appears to be something Bitadze will continue to hone in the NBA. While he’s averaging just 8.4 minutes per game, he’s swatting 0.7 blocks per game through 49 contests, a per 36 rate of 2.8 blocks. He has the makings of becoming a defensive anchor down the road.

Bitadze is averaging just 3.1 points per game, but again, that’s a result of the limited minutes he’s getting on the court more than anything. In 16 games with the Mad Ants, he averaged 19.2 points per game and 1.8 three-pointers made per contest. In essence, he’s too good for the G League but not yet good enough for the NBA.

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The 21-year-old’s development is going to be intriguing for the Pacers, especially with Myles Turner locking down the center role for the time being. If the Pacers move on from Turner, Bitadze should be ready to step into a starting role sooner rather than later.

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