Goga Bitadze - 2019 NBA Draft Prospect

[timvp]

https://i.imgur.com/UfqxECK.jpg

Goga Bitadze

Country: Georgia
Position: C
Age: 19
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 250
Wingspan: 7-foot-2
Draft Range: 14 to 30

Why: Has advanced post-up skills as a teenager. Very good touch in the paint. Jumper looks smooth; has range out to 15 feet and has a decent chance of becoming a legit thee-point shooter in the NBA. Overall, his potential as a scorer is intriguing. Also has potential as a passer. Plays physically and gets off the ground well, which translates into healthy rates of rebounds and blocks.

Why Not: Extremely slow feet ... so much so that there's definite bust potential. He'll have to become an expert tactician to overcome that flaw. And while he can jump reasonably high, he has no explosion -- it takes him a while to wind up and jump. Moody and not the greatest teammate -- will sulk for minutes on end.

Spurs Fit: He has advanced skills so probably ready pretty quickly. Could slide into a Gasol-like bench role. Couldn't play next to Poeltl.

Spurs Comparison - Ceiling: Pau Gasol

Spurs Comparison - Floor: Mengke Bateer

Stats (https://www.basketball-reference.com/euro/players/goga-bitadze-1.html)
Highlight Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjL0qOzdU6s)
Tankathon Profile (http://www.tankathon.com/players/goga-bitadze)
The Stepien Profile (https://www.thestepien.com/2018/03/26/prospect-breakdown-goga-bitadze/)

[sananspursfan21]

“Floor - Mengke Bateer” :lol

wouldnt be a bad flyer for the 29th (conditionally if we got our guy with the 19th) or for a second if he’s still there

[lmbebo]

2018 gasol or 2007 Gasol?

[Russ]

2018 gasol or 2007 Gasol?

That occurred to me also.

"Spurs Comparison -- Pao Gasol" might indicate 2017 Gasol. If so . . .

In any event, the opinions on this guy range as wide as anyone in the draft, from top 10 to mid-second round.

I tend to be skeptical but then you remember how unheralded Nikola Jokic was in 2014.

All said, I'd pass on him at 19.

[GreekSpursfan]

Rick Pitino the coach of Panathinaikos Greece said that this guy would be a steal in the first round and that he loved him. I don't know if Pitino has a good eye for talent but thats what he said. I saw him and Rick might be on to something here.

[timvp]

2018 gasol or 2007 Gasol?

Peak Spurs Gasol ... so 2016 Gasol?

[cd021]

Actually very high on him tbh. One of the players i'd be fine with at 19 and thrilled with at 29.

[RC_Drunkford]

I think he could get to the level of Chicago Pau. Maybe even Memphis Pau. Some scouting reports say he's slow footed, others say he's mobile. I don't know what to make of this. He's also a great post defender and tough to back down. I'd take him, but not with the 19th pick

[Degoat]

Could be wrong but from highlights I’ve seen of him, he kinda has an Enes Kanter type game

[DPG21920]

There is no place really for a guy with slow feet. Unless you are Dirk/Jokic level of offensively talented I don’t see any reason to have a guy like that on the roster.

[Play Boban]

No way he's available at 19 tbh.

[phxspurfan]

Gaga for Goga

[phxspurfan]

Here's a shot at Goga arriving at the draft in an egg

https://www.dailyherald.com/storyimage/DA/20110213/news/702139899/AR/0/AR-702139899.jpg

[lmbebo]

I'd be ecstatic if available at 29, a bit disappointed at 19.

[DAF86]

If he's really so slow footed, hard pass.

Besides: wings, wings, wings.

[kobyz]

I wish we land him with #19 but I doubt he falls, very talented big, reminds me of Wendell Carter Jr of last year draft...

[Dex]

“Floor - Mengke Bateer” :lol

wouldnt be a bad flyer for the 29th (conditionally if we got our guy with the 19th) or for a second if he’s still there

That's NBA champion Mengke Bateer to you.

[ZeusWillJudge]

2018 gasol or 2007 Gasol?


Gasol was a rookie in '01-'02. Never mind 2007 - Bitadze isn't even on the same planet with a rookie Pau Gasol. Has to be talking about 2016 Pau Gasol. That would be okay if it was a 2016 Gasol with more energy because he's younger. But the couple of times I've seen him, he looked just about as sluggish as Gasol in 2016. And I'm sorry, but that Gasol knew how to play C in the NBA. Bitadze won't for a couple of years, at least.

If the Spurs are looking for C insurance, I think I'd rather see them pick up someone like Salah Mejri for cheap.

[pad300]

Gasol was a rookie in '01-'02. Never mind 2007 - Bitadze isn't even on the same planet with a rookie Pau Gasol. Has to be talking about 2016 Pau Gasol. That would be okay if it was a 2016 Gasol with more energy because he's younger. But the couple of times I've seen him, he looked just about as sluggish as Gasol in 2016. And I'm sorry, but that Gasol knew how to play C in the NBA. Bitadze won't for a couple of years, at least.

If the Spurs are looking for C insurance, I think I'd rather see them pick up someone like Salah Mejri for cheap.

You are full of shit.

Here is Pau's stats from his Euroleague/ACB combined season (before he got drafted) :
https://www.basketball-reference.com/euro/players/pau-gasol-1.html
Here's Goga's stats from his lone Euroleague season (before he got drafted) :
https://www.basketball-reference.com/euro/players/goga-bitadze-1.html

Per 36 (both of the playing 23-25 MPG), Gasol takes pts, 18.8 to 18.4, FG% .572 to .548 , Steals 1.8 to 0.7, PF 2.9 to 5.5 & FGA 12.1 to 10.9. Goga takes rebounds 9.7 to 7.9, assists 1.8 to 1.1, blocks 3.5 to 1.5, TO 2.1 to 2.3 & FTA 8.2 to 6.7

They are in the same ball park. Goga is a year younger...

[ZeusWillJudge]

You are full of shit.

Here is Pau's stats from his Euroleague/ACB combined season (before he got drafted)


Pau won Rookie of the Year. If Bitadze wins Rookie of the Year, come tell me "I told you so". Until then, you're just another Google-searching stat-hustler. You were probably in kindergarten when Pau was a rookie.

When it was announced that Pau was coming to the NBA, a couple of NBA bigs talked smack about how they were going to kick his ass in international competition that summer. (I think one of them was Shaq, IIRC.) Pau dominated - to the point they had to eat crow. I don't give a rat fuck about your stats, and I'm not even going to bother looking. Bitadze isn't on the same planet with Rookie Pau Gasol. He just isn't. And none of your ranting is going to change that.

[pad300]

Pau won Rookie of the Year. If Bitadze wins Rookie of the Year, come tell me "I told you so". Until then, you're just another Google-searching stat-hustler. You were probably in kindergarten when Pau was a rookie.

When it was announced that Pau was coming to the NBA, a couple of NBA bigs talked smack about how they were going to kick his ass in international competition that summer. (I think one of them was Shaq, IIRC.) Pau dominated - to the point they had to eat crow. I don't give a rat fuck about your stats, and I'm not even going to bother looking. Bitadze isn't on the same planet with Rookie Pau Gasol. He just isn't. And none of your ranting is going to change that.

You're hell on goal post moving, I'll give you that...

Of course Bitadze isn't going to win ROY. Neither did AD nor Embid. The league is down on centers and has changed the rules to make big men's life more difficult.

Does he look to be a comparable prospect to Pau, when Pau came over? Yeah, he does

[ZeusWillJudge]

Does he look to be a comparable prospect to Pau, when Pau came over? Yeah, he does

No, nooblet, he doesn't. If you watched both of them at this age, and I have, they aren't even on the same planet. Gasol was drafted number 3, and it was obvious to everyone that he was going to go in one of the top slots. We're talking seriously about Bitadze at 19 or lower. There's a reason for that difference. EVERYONE (except for you) could see that Gasol was exceptional, just like they can see that Bitadze is good but not great.

Gasol had tremendous agility. He could come out and hedge screens. Bitadze would get killed trying that, because he plods like a mule. He could score with his back to the basket or facing a defender, and he was a better than average roll man. That kind of agility and versatility is even more important in the NBA today, and that's not who Bitadze is. It would be good to have another big body to throw at teams like Denver, and I've said so. But comparing Bitadze to even a rookie Pau isn't going to fly.

BTW - I didn't move any fucking goal post. Winning ROY is just one sign that Pau came into the league as a rookie ready to kick ass, and you're saying that Bitadze is comparable. He isn't. Tell you what... if Bitadze is even in the discussion for ROY, you can come back and say "I told you so."

Pau was obvious - Bitadze isn't. That should tell you everything you need to know, but I'm sure it won't.

[Chinook]

I agree that Gasol was a tremendous prospect and that Goga shouldn't be compared.

[Ocotillo]

:nope to Goga

[pad300]

No, nooblet, he doesn't. If you watched both of them at this age, and I have, they aren't even on the same planet. Gasol was drafted number 3, and it was obvious to everyone that he was going to go in one of the top slots. We're talking seriously about Bitadze at 19 or lower. There's a reason for that difference. EVERYONE (except for you) could see that Gasol was exceptional, just like they can see that Bitadze is good but not great.

Gasol had tremendous agility. He could come out and hedge screens. Bitadze would get killed trying that, because he plods like a mule. He could score with his back to the basket or facing a defender, and he was a better than average roll man. That kind of agility and versatility is even more important in the NBA today, and that's not who Bitadze is. It would be good to have another big body to throw at teams like Denver, and I've said so. But comparing Bitadze to even a rookie Pau isn't going to fly.

BTW - I didn't move any fucking goal post. Winning ROY is just one sign that Pau came into the league as a rookie ready to kick ass, and you're saying that Bitadze is comparable. He isn't. Tell you what... if Bitadze is even in the discussion for ROY, you can come back and say "I told you so."

Pau was obvious - Bitadze isn't. That should tell you everything you need to know, but I'm sure it won't.

Are you an adult, or 13 year old pretending?

Do you really recall Pau's draft class? Here it is : http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-history/2001/all/all/
This was when the NBA was dominated by bigs, not our current 3 pt shooting contest. Thus, the top 4 picks in that draft, were ALL centers. Pau was the 3ed C picked. But many people thought he was too weak/small (as you yourself noted, "NBA bigs talked smack about how they were going to kick his ass in international competition that summer."). It was not obvious he was a hall of famer, nor the best player (and thus obviously the best C) unless of course, your a 13 year old using hindsight...

If the league was still dominated by C's (to the point that the top 4 picks in the draft were C's, like 2001) which big men in this draft would go ahead of Goga?

As to he relative agility question, yes, Pau for the time was very agile for a big. As mentioned though, the league was very different. You think it's obvious Pau's a C? In the day, they were considering him as an SF, "his natural position is SF" https://www.nbadraft.net/players/pau-gasol . The league has CHANGED. Things have sped way up. Pau coming into this league, he would be projected as a 5, and people would be worrying about if he could handle being pulled out to 3 pt range. Back then, things were different - teams would give you the 3 on the pick and roll; they would fight through picks, rather than switch. The objective was to stop the drive to the basket, and you would let teams have the 3 off pick and rolls....

PS. Nooblet? Your join date is Feb 2019. Mine is Oct 2006. Are you so stupid that you can't do that bit of math? I would suggest pulling your head out of your anus and taking a look around every so often. Trust me, you're just nowhere near as smart as you think you are...

[Chinook]

Are you an adult, or 13 year old pretending?

Do you really recall Pau's draft class? Here it is : http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-history/2001/all/all/
This was when the NBA was dominated by bigs, not our current 3 pt shooting contest. Thus, the top 4 picks in that draft, were ALL centers. Pau was the 3ed C picked. But many people thought he was too weak/small (as you yourself noted, "NBA bigs talked smack about how they were going to kick his ass in international competition that summer."). It was not obvious he was a hall of famer, nor the best player (and thus obviously the best C) unless of course, your a 13 year old using hindsight...

If the league was still dominated by C's (to the point that the top 4 picks in the draft were C's, like 2001) which big men in this draft would go ahead of Goga?

As to he relative agility question, yes, Pau for the time was very agile for a big. As mentioned though, the league was very different. You think it's obvious Pau's a C? In the day, they were considering him as an SF, "his natural position is SF" https://www.nbadraft.net/players/pau-gasol . The league has CHANGED. Things have sped way up. Pau coming into this league, he would be projected as a 5, and people would be worrying about if he could handle being pulled out to 3 pt range. Back then, things were different - teams would give you the 3 on the pick and roll; they would fight through picks, rather than switch. The objective was to stop the drive to the basket, and you would let teams have the 3 off pick and rolls....

PS. Nooblet? Your join date is Feb 2019. Mine is Oct 2006. Are you so stupid that you can't do that bit of math? I would suggest pulling your head out of your anus and taking a look around every so often. Trust me, you're just nowhere near as smart as you think you are...

https://i.gifer.com/7LGu.gif

Even though as I said I do agree the Gasol comparison isn't helpful.

[kobyz]

No logic comparing him to Gasol, Gasol at that age was a seven foot PG, all skills...

[TheGreatYacht]

Hell no. Slow footed big in 2019?!?!

Fear is craterface and his yes men seem obsessed with bringing back their baby boomers offense.

[duncan2150]

I just listen to some euro experts who watched bitzdze this year.

They don’t think he is that slow, they think he can defend on the perimeter , not against quick players off course. They also say that his mid range is good, he is really good at the pick and pop, has a good IQ.

one of the flaw like tmvp said is that he can be moody, talking a lot With the referees...

Listening them i really think he can succeed in the nba.

[Gordy58]

I just listen to some euro experts who watched bitzdze this year.

They don’t think he is that slow, they think he can defend on the perimeter , not against quick players off course. They also say that his mid range is good, he is really good at the pick and pop, has a good IQ.

one of the flaw like tmvp said is that he can be moody, talking a lot With the referees...

Listening them i really think he can succeed in the nba.
i like him, he reminds me a bit of Nurkic, tho not as big but maybe a little faster. Certainly has range, sneaky good athleticism. I’ve seen of couple clips of him with good handles. As for the being moody part, I think it’s a trend with NBA players nowadays complaining to the refs.

[cd021]

Looks like a good rim protector. Good diver who finishes at the rim hard. Could develop into a solid pick and pop big with a set 3pt shot.

A lot of scouts seem to like him, get his appeal. Fine with PATFO taking him, so long as Roby is at 29.

[BatManu20]

This guy has Spurs written all over him. If he slips to 19, Pop and RC will run the card over to the commish themselves tbh. Don't think he falls to us though. He's rising in mocks already.

1129082054489051136

[cd021]

This guy has Spurs written all over him. If he slips to 19, Pop and RC will run the card over to the commish themselves tbh. Don't think he falls to us though. He's rising in mocks already.

1129082054489051136

Yeah don't think he'll be there at 19 unfortunately. If not, I am now hoping they draft PJ Washington or Kevin Porter at 19 and Roby at 29.

[kobyz]

I really think he will be the best value at #19 if he's there and I'll be thrilled to get him... a lot are sleeping on him, very young and very talented with some proven already at high level, to me he's clearly a top 10 prospect, he reminds me two bigs in the last two draft who went top 10, Wendell Carter Jr and Zach Collins (but stronger)...

[exstatic]

I really think he will be the best value at #19 if he's there and I'll be thrilled to get him... a lot are sleeping on him, very young and very talented with some proven already at high level, to me he's clearly a top 10 prospect, he reminds me two bigs in the last two draft who went top 10, Wendell Carter Jr and Zach Collins (but stronger)...

Tankathon has him at #13, but falling to us at 19 in the draft.

[duncan2150]

I really think he will be the best value at #19 if he's there and I'll be thrilled to get him... a lot are sleeping on him, very young and very talented with some proven already at high level, to me he's clearly a top 10 prospect, he reminds me two bigs in the last two draft who went top 10, Wendell Carter Jr and Zach Collins (but stronger)...

+1 I hope he will be there at 19.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1129832332133916672

[pad300]

https://twitter.com/EuroLeague/status/1129832332133916672

And this:

https://twitter.com/LifeOfABruin/status/1130687749973897216

The young man got game...

[ZeusWillJudge]

The biggest thing in favor of Bitadze is that he's still 19, and he could bulk up to become more of a banger like Nurkic. It takes almost all NBA big men 2 or even 3 years to develop, and he's young enough.

Most of the people commenting don't know much, if anything, about him. But here's a clue: when a big man who people call a "pretty good defender" is a foul machine, the reason is almost always a lack of quickness. They get there too late, so they have to reach. And reaching is how you rack up a foul-out every 36 minutes. Jusuf Nurkic has developed into a good NBA center. You know how you could have told that he wasn't going to be as good as Jokic? The two best ways were that Nurkic racked up more than a foul-out per 36 minutes, and didn't dish a lot of AST's. He wasn't quick enough to force double teams that would give him a wide open man to pass to, and he reached a lot on defense. Bitadze is said to be a "pretty good defender", but he fouls... a lot. And he doesn't dish a lot of assists. Now, maybe he'll be the exception who learns both of those things. But the problem is, you have to draft based on what you already know. And I'm telling you, those two things are pretty good clues.

In Nurkic' first two years in the NBA, he racked up 6.8 PF/36, and 6.0 PF/36. By comparison, Jokic got whistled for 4.3 and 3.8 PF/36 in his first two years. And since we've been comparing, Pau Gasol got 2.7 and 2.6 PF/36 in his first two years. Not that I wouldn't want Nurkic on the Spurs, and if Bitadze develops into that, he'll be a good draft pick. But even Nurkic has his drawbacks, in the New NBA. And having him on the floor pretty much dictates that you have to play a certain style of ball - and it's not the style of ball that the game is built around now. I think the Spurs can get a serviceable big man to back up Poeltl elsewhere. You can't teach quickness.

If the Spurs do draft him, remember I told you so: he isn't going to be a finesse big in the mold of Pau Gasol. And before he can become a banger like Nurkic, he'll have a LOT of developing and strength training to do. He'll get pushed off his spot a lot, because he doesn't have a strong lower body. He'll get out-wrestled for position in the low blocks by monsters who know the techniques for using their upper bodies. Could he develop? Sure. But probably about the time he's due for an extension. If I'm wrong about him, I'll be the first one to say so.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1131308504025903105

[ZeusWillJudge]

Goga Bitadze tweet


I hope for his sake that he does shoot like that. And for the Spurs' sake, if they draft him. But we used to love to watch Rasho shooting in pre-game warmups. He drained shots like Reggie Miller. Okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but it wasn't uncommon to watch him drain 10-12 in a row. Then in the game he couldn't hit anything outside the restricted circle, even uncontested. I don't want to hate on Bitadze, really, but I'd like to see how he shoots with defenders on him.

In fairness, Rasho wasn't shooting from that far outside much in those warmups. And Bitadze looks more fluid than I remember seeing him look.

[pad300]

And another tweet

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1131306177655169025

[timvp]

Are Spurs fans okay with Goga at 19? More I watch, the more I'm impressed. He looks like a legit NBA player.

But soon Alridge will slow and be a center only. Poeltl is a center only. Milutinov is a center only. Can the Spurs afford to use 19 on another center only? I have mixed feelings but I think they can if he's far and away the best player left on their board.

[mo7888]

Are Spurs fans okay with Goga at 19? More I watch, the more I'm impressed. He looks like a legit NBA player.

But soon Alridge will slow and be a center only. Poeltl is a center only. Milutinov is a center only. Can the Spurs afford to use 19 on another center only? I have mixed feelings but I think they can if he's far and away the best player left on their board.

I'm not convinced that we ever see Milutinov in a spurs uniform. I think we only have Aldridge 1 or 2 years at most. I'm not sure Goga is the guy at 19 but, if he is, I don't have a problem with him.

[JeffDuncan]

Nope. The Spurs need forwards. Are we going to end up with no 3 and D again?

[Ocotillo]

I just am not sold on this guy but what do I know.

[duncan2150]

Are Spurs fans okay with Goga at 19? More I watch, the more I'm impressed. He looks like a legit NBA player.

But soon Alridge will slow and be a center only. Poeltl is a center only. Milutinov is a center only. Can the Spurs afford to use 19 on another center only? I have mixed feelings but I think they can if he's far and away the best player left on their board.

Im totally on the goga bandwagon, i think he will be a really good big in 2-3 years and he could play next year

[pad300]

Are Spurs fans okay with Goga at 19? More I watch, the more I'm impressed. He looks like a legit NBA player.

But soon Alridge will slow and be a center only. Poeltl is a center only. Milutinov is a center only. Can the Spurs afford to use 19 on another center only? I have mixed feelings but I think they can if he's far and away the best player left on their board.

I am. Barring a major fall, if he's here at 19, he will be the best prospect on the board.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

How is he guarding the pick and roll is my biggest question/concern. I’ve read conflicting reports on his quickness and since he didn’t go to the combine it’s kind of hard to judge this. Offensively he seems to be pretty good for how young he is and he isn’t a total stick figure which is also nice.

I read he is a decent defender at the rim and has good timing when going for blocks. If he can guard the pick and roll and has decent enough agility to close out solidly on 3 point shooters he is worth the 19th pick due to his age and so far reported skill set.

[DPG21920]

If SA could flip Poeltl and or Milu for a wing then absolutely

[cd021]

If SA could flip Poeltl and or Milu for a wing then absolutely
Why would they need to flip Poeltl for a wing? Okpala or Roby should be available at 29. Doubt Milutinov would need a good asset tbh.

[DPG21920]

Why would they need to flip Poeltl for a wing? Okpala or Roby should be available at 29. Doubt Milutinov would need a good asset tbh.

Because SA needs multiple wings and there is really no need for that many Centers

[cd021]

I'm not convinced that we ever see Milutinov in a spurs uniform. I think we only have Aldridge 1 or 2 years at most. I'm not sure Goga is the guy at 19 but, if he is, I don't have a problem with him.
Don't think it's out of the range of possibility that this is LMA's final season with Spurs, whether its retirement or him trying to get back to Portland. Goga would be make sense if he's the pick, very skilled for his age.


How is he guarding the pick and roll is my biggest question/concern. I’ve read conflicting reports on his quickness and since he didn’t go to the combine it’s kind of hard to judge this. Offensively he seems to be pretty good for how young he is and he isn’t a total stick figure which is also nice.

I read he is a decent defender at the rim and has good timing when going for blocks. If he can guard the pick and roll and has decent enough agility to close out solidly on 3 point shooters he is worth the 19th pick due to his age and so far reported skill set.

Seems like he may be fairly slow footed laterally but looks good protecting the rim. He may struggle defending away from the rim but could use his length and size to try and contain drives to the rim.


Offensively, he looks excellent as a roll man, seems like he can be good post player and has a good looking jumper.

[cd021]

Because SA needs multiple wings and there is really no need for that many Centers

Aldridge, Poeltl and Goga would make 3 centers and LMA may not be on the team in a couple of years. Milutinov may or may not ever be a Spur. DDR is the starting 3 going forwards and will eat up a lot of minutes there. Okpala or Roby would be potential wings available but not likely to crack the rotation in their first year with such jam packed rotation.

[JeffDuncan]

Any big man the Spurs draft needs to be able to play power forward.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Don't think it's out of the range of possibility that this is LMA's final season with Spurs, whether its retirement or him trying to get back to Portland. Goga would be make sense if he's the pick, very skilled for his age.



Seems like he may be fairly slow footed laterally but looks good protecting the rim. He may struggle defending away from the rim but could use his length and size to try and contain drives to the rim.


Offensively, he looks excellent as a roll man, seems like he can be good post player and has a good looking jumper.

Yeah, what you posted is kind of what I’ve heard the most but then there are some reports saying he has quick feet. It was smart for him not to go to the combine. Lol.

He is going to get drafted in the teens I believe and I wouldn’t be surprised if Boston grabbed him.

[Spurtacular]

2018 gasol or 2007 Gasol?

Not even a poor man's Poeltl.

There is nobody I dislike more in the conversation, tbh.

[duncan2150]

Yeah, what you posted is kind of what I’ve heard the most but then there are some reports saying he has quick feet. It was smart for him not to go to the combine. Lol.

He is going to get drafted in the teens I believe and I wouldn’t be surprised if Boston grabbed him.

Cd021 is right about bitadze offensively and defensively. He has quick feet and footwork but he Will be exposed laterally against pgs or sg's

What is interesting with him is that due to his progression, euro experts thinks he can be better on the perimeter with the time( tough he is not bad yet but so-so imo)

Also he has a good IQ so he does what he knows like protecting the rim...

[FkLA]

We already have Poetl, who's still young and showed tons of flashes throughout the season. This guy isn't needed.

WINGS, WINGS, WINGS

[cd021]

We already have Poetl, who's still young and showed tons of flashes throughout the season. This guy isn't needed.

WINGS, WINGS, WINGS

Drafting Goga doesn't stop us from drafting a wing, it's not either- or.

Keldon Johnson may be there at 19 but if Goga or PJ Washington are there then it would be a mistake not to take either- especially Washington, really like his game.

There is a decent chance that Okpala or Roby are around at 19, both are big wings that should be able to play small ball 4 down the road too.

[outmap]

Drafting Goga doesn't stop us from drafting a wing, it's not either- or.

Keldon Johnson may be there at 19 but if Goga or PJ Washington are there then it would be a mistake not to take either- especially Washington, really like his game.

There is a decent chance that Okpala or Roby are around at 19, both are big wings that should be able to play small ball 4 down the road too.

Okeke, Johnson, Nwora, and King will also likey be there at 29.

[timvp]

I'm starting to talk myself into Goga being a really strong pick at 19 if he's still around. He's not the greatest of fits but he's a legit talent you can possibly build around if he reaches his peak potential. Getting a potential star at 19 who at the very least is a strong backup center is difficult value to pass up, tbh.

Young players who have done what Goga's done in Europe almost never underwhelm in the NBA...

[Play Boban]

Goga at 19 and Luka at 29 tbh = :lobt2:

[smaka]

Been saying since January that I am suspicious about Spurs picking Goga. Him and Samanic. I'm sure (at least) one of them is gonna be a Spur.

[Blackhaus]

Goga at 19 and Luka at 29 tbh = :lobt2:

this is exactly what shitty espns mock draft show had us doing last night, well they didn’t say it equaled a chip though

[cd021]

His biggest weakness his is lateral quickness. He is a good interior scorer, especially as a role man. Looks like a solid mid range shooter and can possibly step out and knock down 3's eventually. Wouldn't be opposed to him at 19.

[NickiRasgo]

Nikola Vucevic or Enes Kanter comparison?

[Play Boban]

this is exactly what shitty espns mock draft show had us doing last night, well they didn’t say it equaled a chip though

Geniuses think alike tbqh.

[Dr. John R. Brinkley]

Hard pass.

[look_at_g_shred]

Will be too slow for today's game. I can already see teams drawing up plays to have him on one of their guards and repeatedly getting beat to the rim while pop doesn't make any adjustments.

[SpurPadre]

We already have Poetl, who's still young and showed tons of flashes throughout the season. This guy isn't needed.

WINGS, WINGS, WINGS

Best player available is who we need to draft and if it's this dude, it's this dude. He has a higher ceiling than Poetl too.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1139138504062095360

[JuneJive]

If they pick him then they think he's not too slow for todays league.

I would pass.

[BatManu20]

Spurs working him out.


1139246616995487744

[rjv]

Nikola Vucevic or Enes Kanter comparison?


draftnet gives Goga a Nenad Krstic/Jusuf Nurkic NBA comparison.

[keithington1]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaz_5_ZGhAE
LA's getting older, Militunov/ Poeltl can't shoot

[kobyz]

starting to see a lot DeMarcus Cousins in his game, definitely would be an upgrade over Jacob at the C position with more modern game... if he fall to #19 you have to draft him and immediately trade Jacob!

[lmbebo]

Stick him in the corner :) Seems to shoot better from 3 from there

[cd021]

Offense isn't his issue tbh, looks like he could be above average on that end. Worry about his lateral quickness in defending the p&r.

[timvp]

Latest ESPN mock draft has Goga to Spurs at 19. The more tape of him I watch, the more I like him. Talented and smart offensively, good timing for blocks defensively.

Perimeter quickness is the major question mark but he also seems to still have some baby fat on him so he should gain some agility as he works his way into NBA shape.

[Degoat]

Latest ESPN mock draft has Goga to Spurs at 19. The more tape of him I watch, the more I like him. Talented and smart offensively, good timing for blocks defensively.

Perimeter quickness is the major question mark but he also seems to still have some baby fat on him so he should gain some agility as he works his way into NBA shape.

im starting to like him more and more too, if we were to grab him at 19th you think he would join the team immediately or would the spurs stash him??

[duncan2150]

Latest ESPN mock draft has Goga to Spurs at 19. The more tape of him I watch, the more I like him. Talented and smart offensively, good timing for blocks defensively.

Perimeter quickness is the major question mark but he also seems to still have some baby fat on him so he should gain some agility as he works his way into NBA shape.

I’m totally with you with this one. Since January i’m On the Bitadze bandwagon. He is totally different than a year ago, in a much better shape, really good at the pick and pop, good rim protector, can shoot the 3.

Offcourse he Will not guard pg’s or sg’s, he could be slow laterally but he has some quick feets.

i hope he will be there at 19.

[slick'81]

So he could be a pf for us? Sounds good to me

[timvp]

im starting to like him more and more too, if we were to grab him at 19th you think he would join the team immediately or would the spurs stash him??

As far as I know, he'd come over right away.


So he could be a pf for us? Sounds good to me

He's a center only in today's NBA. Tbh, if they draft Goga, the Spurs probably don't keep Poeltl long-term unless they get a bargain.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

Offense isn't his issue tbh, looks like he could be above average on that end. Worry about his lateral quickness in defending the p&r.

Exactly. Even in the video posted above he looked slow. He has a nice looking shot and eventhough his quickness wasn't the greatest in the video he at least looked some what fluid and not robotic moving around

[cd021]

Exactly. Even in the video posted above he looked slow. He has a nice looking shot and eventhough his quickness wasn't the greatest in the video he at least looked some what fluid and not robotic moving around

Actually he looked fine in the video; he looked like he was going at half speed, it seemed like more of an endurance test to see how well he shoots when tired, looked pretty good.

Watching the European scouting video, they had clips of his defense on the perimeter. North to south speed looks fine and he looks like a good rim protector but he is late to close out and is painfully slow moving laterally.

[Cardinal]

He seems to have good quick hands on the defensive end which could help compensate for his lack of lateral quickness when guarding perimeter players.

[RC_Drunkford]

Goga being that young with such a wide skill set makes him a very interesting player. He could play right away and turn into what Vučević was last year

[TD 21]

He's a center only in today's NBA. Tbh, if they draft Goga, the Spurs probably don't keep Poeltl long-term unless they get a bargain.

I doubt it. For various reasons (they like a Poeltl type at center, there's a real chance he's the best long term piece from the infamous trade and his position is the most over saturated in the league), he's likely entrenched.

If they select Bitadze, it'll likely more so be as a long term Aldridge replacement of sorts, as he's probably gone in 1-2 years.

If they select any center in the 1st round, Milutinov should immediately be shopped. I realize his value is probably limited, but a pick in the first half of the 2nd round would probably be more valuable to them than he'd be at that point.

[Dr. John R. Brinkley]

My gut feeling is hell no to Goga, but after seeing more tape, and seen that his jumper appears decent, I’ve accepted that the Spurs may likely draft him.

[DPG21920]

Ive come around on him. Slow-footed issues aside, with 19 (if SA stays there) I just want someone I know who is really good on at least one side of the ball. He is.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

From the reports posted, he is a good shot blocker and rim protector so at least he isn't totally bad on defense.

If we were to get him at 19, I wouldn't be too pissed. I feel their might be players with higher upside to be drafted at 19 though.

I feel he can at worst be a really solid player off the bench for teams who can provide scoring and rim protection.

[duncan2150]

Rick Bonnell: Goga Bitadze only worked out for 5 teams: Hornets, Spurs, Hawks, Celtics and Pistons (https://hoopshype.com/social/).

Except Detroit, i can see Bitadze in other teams. Hornets at 12, Celts at 14 or 20 and Hawks with 17. Would really like to nab him at 19.

[Blackhaus]

He’s my pick at 19, I’m not thinking he’ll be on the board though so I’m not keeping my hopes up.

[DesignatedT]

Obviously hes skilled but he's slow and not very athletic. Just not what today's NBA is about. I wouldn't be that excited about this pick.

[dubross]

Obviously hes skilled but he's slow and not very athletic. Just not what today's NBA is about. I wouldn't be that excited about this pick.

Im with you on this. The Spurs need to adapt. We don't have the shooters like say the Denver Nuggets to afford to take a flier on Goga thinking he might be a Jokic clone.

[rjv]

Im with you on this. The Spurs need to adapt. We don't have the shooters like say the Denver Nuggets to afford to take a flier on Goga thinking he might be a Jokic clone.

he'd really be more of a nurkic clone, best case scenario, imo.

[look_at_g_shred]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

[widowmaker]

So if the spurs draft this dude is he coming over right away to play asap?

[look_at_g_shred]

So if the spurs draft this dude is he coming over right away to play asap?
Nope. 3 years away from being 2 years away.

[Degoat]

I’m on board drafting this guy if he’s available but what does that mean for Nikola Milutinov if we do?

[timvp]

Nope. 3 years away from being 2 years away.

:lol I think Goga comes over right away ... and I don't think he would even need to travel to Austin. He's ready to play.

But as someone pointed out in another thread, with the Celtics apparently losing Horford, they suddenly could be in the market for a player like Goga at 14.


I’m on board drafting this guy if he’s available but what does that mean for Nikola Milutinov if we do?

I haven't finished going over his tape but I'm not sold he's worth paying the money to bring him over. He's a Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot style center and you can get passable guys like him for around minimum contracts. Five years ago, he'd be worth the money. Today? Eh, he makes Poeltl look like Magic Johnson in terms of perimeter talent.

[timvp]

https://news4sanantonio.com/sports/spurs-zone/goga-bitadze-discusses-his-workout-with-spurs

Sounds like there's mutual interest.

[DJR210]

He's a Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot style center

:lol

[NickiRasgo]

I'm now kinda like the Spurs to draft this kid.

Hope he uses this as motivation.

https://scontent.fcxh3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/64527798_10157147709956006_4171283812812062720_n.j pg?_nc_cat=1&_nc_oc=AQlJCY7rdn2x6gu9PfTCTOeUI6Ye9cZHPoPxbkSVMQW ORkYYK6NSV99oUfBTc_7skSM&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxh3-1.fna&oh=9f5773608bfd7deb87f1c640f49afe78&oe=5D95D196

[timvp]

Damn, he draw short straw or something? :lol

Even Goga himself was more interested in Zion.

[barakz21]

I'm now kinda like the Spurs to draft this kid.

Hope he uses this as motivation.

https://scontent.fcxh3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/64527798_10157147709956006_4171283812812062720_n.j pg?_nc_cat=1&_nc_oc=AQlJCY7rdn2x6gu9PfTCTOeUI6Ye9cZHPoPxbkSVMQW ORkYYK6NSV99oUfBTc_7skSM&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxh3-1.fna&oh=9f5773608bfd7deb87f1c640f49afe78&oe=5D95D196

Damn, not like I care or anything because that’s life and that’s how it goes sometimes. But that still kinda sucks.

[ZeusWillJudge]

I'm now kinda like the Spurs to draft this kid.

Hope he uses this as motivation.




Aww man, that's just chickenshit setting up a press conference like that. And if he gets up and leaves, he's the one who catches shit from the league.

[3&D_TBH]

Aww man, that's just chickenshit setting up a press conference like that. And if he gets up and leaves, he's the one who catches shit from the league. How the hell did the people in charge not know this was a horrible idea?

[timvp]

Might have to draft Goga now because that pic alone makes for one hell of a superhero origin story :lol

[3&D_TBH]

Might have to draft Goga now because that pic alone makes for one hell of a superhero origin story :lol

now you got me worried that he won’t even be there because of the Horford exit. I think Goga has high upside in a west where we have to battle AD and Jokic.

[GB20]

I'm now kinda like the Spurs to draft this kid.

Hope he uses this as motivation.

https://scontent.fcxh3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/64527798_10157147709956006_4171283812812062720_n.j pg?_nc_cat=1&_nc_oc=AQlJCY7rdn2x6gu9PfTCTOeUI6Ye9cZHPoPxbkSVMQW ORkYYK6NSV99oUfBTc_7skSM&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxh3-1.fna&oh=9f5773608bfd7deb87f1c640f49afe78&oe=5D95D196

Man!! That's wrong.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Might have to draft Goga now because that pic alone makes for one hell of a superhero origin story :lol


You want to know what's sick? I mean really sick? I look at that picture, and I'm actually thinking along that line. I want to see the guy get drafted and just kick ass. Maybe it's because I'm from the generation that grew up watching Rocky and Rambo. :D

[DavidTheGoliath]

Its human nature to cheer for the underdog afterall.

[Gordy58]

Rick Bonnell: Goga Bitadze only worked out for 5 teams: Hornets, Spurs, Hawks, Celtics and Pistons (https://hoopshype.com/social/).
1 day ago (https://hoopshype.com/rumor/1265269/) – via Twitter rick_bonnell (https://twitter.com/rick_bonnell)

Wow didn’t know it was only 5 teams he worked out for. The Celtics are great fit for him though.

[GreekSpursfan]

Pitino thinks he's the steal of the draft. We are about to find out, i think we're gonna draft him.

[Marrow]

Goga Spurs Goga

[Joseph Kony]

i like him. if he's available at 19 and spurs dont get lucky and someone like Rui is still available, spurs should scoop him up.

[CGD]

Rick Bonnell: Goga Bitadze only worked out for 5 teams: Hornets, Spurs, Hawks, Celtics and Pistons (https://hoopshype.com/social/).

Except Detroit, i can see Bitadze in other teams. Hornets at 12, Celts at 14 or 20 and Hawks with 17. Would really like to nab him at 19.

With the Hortford news I can see this guy being a Boston target

[3&D_TBH]

With the Hortford news I can see this guy being a Boston target

Yea, but the Celtics just have one pick before us, and I’ve seen several mocks that have them taking Bol Bol with that pick. It’s a toss-up, tbh.

[FkLA]

Slightly faster, more athletic Anus Cancer, imo.

[BWS-1994]

Yea, but the Celtics just have one pick before us, and I’ve seen several mocks that have them taking Bol Bol with that pick. It’s a toss-up, tbh.

Atlanta still has the 17th pick as well.

[BackHome]

He is going to Boston for sure no brainer for Ainge.

[Dejounte]

With the Snell trade, i think he goes to Detroit. Which is good because i dont want another center.

[BWS-1994]

With the Snell trade, i think he goes to Detroit. Which is good because i dont want another center.

Yeah. They just traded Jon Leur. Do they still have bigs?

[r0drig0lac]

Yeah. They just traded Jon Leur. Do they still have bigs?

drummond?

[TDomination]

NBA stars reach out to draft prospect who gets ignored for Zion Williamsonhttps://www.yahoo.com/sports/goga-bitadze-zion-williamson-media-nba-draft-001041020.html

Looks like he can use this as motivation

[NASpurs]

1141731074713800707

[look_at_g_shred]

Ugh god please no

[Spurs da champs]

Yeah, I'm not high on any more slow footed euros. A modern 3 or 4 is an urgent need of this team.

[timvp]

Givony just said on ESPN that he's hearing Goga at 10, 12 or 15. If that's true and the Spurs really want him, they'll have to move up pretty high ...

[NASpurs]

1141786656095264768

[BatManu20]

Goga will be gone by 19. Unless Spurs move up, they’re not getting him.

[DAF86]

Givony just said on ESPN that he's hearing Goga at 10, 12 or 15. If that's true and the Spurs really want him, they'll have to move up pretty high ...

Would rather sign one of those athletic 6'8'' kids, tbh.

[Mugen]

I don't hate the kid but building around slow footed centers just isn't feasible anymore tbh. Jokic was a monster and one of my fav players in the league and Denver lost to a fucking terrible Blazers team....

[NASpurs]

I don't hate the kid but building around slow footed centers just isn't feasible anymore tbh. Jokic was a monster and one of my fav players in the league and Denver lost to a fucking terrible Blazers team....

I mean, Pop is still back in the '90s playing the mid-range game so a slow-footed center sounds right up his alley.

[slick'81]

I mean, Pop is still back in the '90s playing the mid-range game so a slow-footed center sounds right up his alley.


Why we got poodle power!

[Big Empty]

God no. Only because i dont want to hear Bill Land screaming GoGaGo! Everytime he does something good..