Why Goga Bitadze is One of 2019’s Top BigsThe 6-foot-11.25, 251-pound Bitadze has been remarkably productive this season splitting time between the Adriatic League and Euroleague, posting 16.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1 assist per game across 25.8 minutes a night on a 65.9 true shooting percentage. That translates out to 24.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 1.6 assists per 40 minutes.
...he’s long been considered a long-term backup at the NBA level because of questions surrounding his defensive mobility and offensive ceiling. But, Bitadze has quieted these concerns and flashed signs of a much higher ceiling on both ends of the floor. His most notable area of progress has been his greatly improved mobility on both ends. No longer does Bitadze look plodding trying to defend pick-and-rolls on the perimeter. JZ mentioned that Bitadze rarely left the paint last season, but this year he looks much more comfortable venturing out the perimeter and hedging and recovering against pick-and-rolls. He has slimmed down and looks much more nimble moving on the perimeter on defense.
The most interesting part of Bitadze’s offensive profile is his outside shooting ability. He shoots an easy ball from 3 with soft touch and highly projectable mechanics.
He’s hit 15 of his 37 3-point attempts in 23 games this year while knocking down 67.3 percent of his shots from the free throw line. Few 6-foot-11 19 year-olds are as developed from 3-point range as he is...the threat of Bitadze’s shot can pull opposing 5s away from the rim and set him up to attack off the bounce, something he has done more of this season.
His high productivity at such a young age in Euroleague suggests a high offensive floor at the NBA level, but his ceiling shouldn’t be underrated. With true center size and plus coordination, Bitadze can leverage the threat of his shot to set up a strong face-up game to pair with his finishing ability near the rim.
Transitioning back to the defensive side of the ball,
Bitadze is a force inside the arc and especially inside the paint. As JZ mentioned in his piece from last year, Bitadze’s positioning is consistently precise. He is excellent at staying between ball and man, rarely overcommitting.Bitadze can shut down the paint with his size, length, timing, and hand placement as a shot blocker. He plays with a high motor and finishes plays, routinely making multiple contests. Bitadze has a large recovery radius thanks to his length and anticipation as a shot blocker from the weak side. It’s no surprise that Bitadze leads the Adriatic League in blocks per game by a wide margin.
For me, he is right there with the other top bigs in the 2019 class, as none of them are without their flaws. Jaxson Hayes...is still extremely raw; Jontay Porter has significant health issues; Bol Bol might have the scariest flaws of any prospect in the class.
While he may lack top-flight physical tools, Bitadze has an excellent rim protection package thanks to his large recovery radius, technical positioning, elite hand placement, high motor, and physical size.
no...no bets with you.