Bio

Hometown: Sagarejo, Georgia (country)

Team: Buducnost

Age: 19

Ht: 6’11

Wt: 251

Wingspan: 7’2

Vertical: NA

Facts to Know

Debuted in Tier 1 of Russian League at 16, youngest to ever play in that league
Won 2019 Euroleague Rising Star Award, given to best player under age 22
Played alongside idol Zaza Pachulia for the Georgian National team at age 18

Athleticism

Pros

Great height and length
Physical in the post

Cons

Slow lateral movement on D
Little to no explosiveness
Cannot keep up with backcourt players
Unimpressive vertical
Lacks NBA quickness

Grade: B-

NBA Skills

Pros

Versatile offensive game
Excellent screener and passer
Active off-ball defender
Great footwork in the post
Respectable jumper
Can attack off the dribble

Cons

Jumps on fakes leading to fouls

Grade: A

Production

Pros

Euroleague Rising Star Award
Good FT% for a center (71.4%)
3.5 blocks per 36 minutes
62.2% true shooting percentage
75 FTA per 100 FGA
9.7 rebounds per 36 minutes

Cons

5.5 fouls per 36 minutes

Grade: A

Risk

Pros

Modern big potential
Polished offensive game
Professional/National Team Experience

Cons

Low level of competition
Speed is a major question
Emotions have gotten the best of him
Could be a liability on switches

Grade: B-

Overall

Bitazde has emerged as the most NBA-ready international prospect of this draft. His game is surprisingly polished and he seems to know his strengths and weaknesses well enough to make the correct decisions within the game. As with every overseas player, the main question is the competition Goga has faced and if he can handle NBA-caliber speed, size, and strength.

Pro Comp: C Jusuf Nurkic (Portland Trailblazers)

Prime Destinations: CHA, SAS, WAS

OVERALL Grade: B+