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Indiana Pacers: Grading the franchise’s last 4 drafts

By Luke Parrish

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 8, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: T.J. Leaf #22 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 8, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Goga Bitadze, Indiana Pacers
Goga Bitadze, Indiana Pacers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Indiana Pacers 2019 Draft

First-round selection: Goga Bitadze

Second-round selection: Jarrell Brantley (traded to Utah)

Goga Bitadze was put in a pretty unforgiving situation when he entered the NBA, going to a team with two starting centers and needs elsewhere. His selection did not sit well with fans, myself included, but Goga took a huge step forward in his second season.

Injuries slowed Bitadze down a bit this season but when he was on the floor, he was an impactful player behind Myles Turner. He was expected to be the backup center with a similar skill set to Turner and he proved exactly why this season. His ability to shoot from the perimeter, even if inconsistently, is enough to draw defenders out and keep them honest.

Defensively, Goga continued to be a force in the paint as a reliable rim protector with the second unit. He averaged 1.3 blocks per game in just 12.5 minutes of action. He was not completely lost when he had to fill in for Turner or Sabonis in the starting lineup.

Indiana also traded the rights to Jarrell Brantley in that draft, a player with some NBA experience but not enough to lose sleep over. They received an extra second-round pick in 2021 and cash considerations in the deal, making it a bit of a nothing move for a team with a full roster.

Draft grade: B

Goga has done a great job at adapting to the speed of the NBA as quickly as he has. He is by no means a star, which is a given considering he comes off the bench for a team that didn’t even make the playoffs last season. But with a lot of room for growth, his selection is not a complete loss even with the need for wings.

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