Indiana Pacers: 3 players poised to make a leap next season
By Josh Wilson
Goga Bitadze
It wasn’t a major surprise that Goga Bitadze didn’t get a ton of minutes this season. As a rookie center out of the country of Georgia not only adjusting to the NBA, but also America, Bitadze was generally only given playing time in garbage minutes or when the Pacers were desperate for a center and Turner/Sabonis were both on the bench for whatever reason.
He averaged less than 10 minutes per game in his rookie season, and figures to get more playing time in his sophomore season.
Having averaged 3.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game this year, there’s plenty of room for Goga to improve. He had the team’s highest block rate this season, and his defensive capabilities, though raw, look to have an extremely high ceiling.
Much of Bitadze’s opportunity will rely on what the Pacers decide to do with Myles Turner. His fit with Domantas Sabonis has shown some flashes of promise, but in general, the fit is somewhat questionable.
The Pacers could very well trade Turner, and there were some light whispers of the possibility of a trade at the deadline. The team let the deadline pass without making a move, which was probably a good call given the fortifying nature of Turner’s defense.
But the offseason may project different directives. Turner could be traded. And if he is, that will lead to a gaping hole in the frontcourt for Bitadze to fill.