Indiana Pacers center Goga Bitadze was named to the team’s Summer League roster for 2021 as he enters his third season. After showing glimpses of success off the bench in his first two seasons, this summer is a massive opportunity for Goga.
Isaiah Jackson, a 6-foot-10 forward out of Kentucky, was acquired through the 2021 NBA Draft and is hot on Goga’s tail. While Jackson was not listed on the Summer League roster due to the trade not being official until later this week, he still poses a threat to Goga’s playing time this season.
Goga Bitadze has to earn his minutes for the Indiana Pacers this summer
There is some belief that Isaiah Jackson can play the four rather than strictly being a center, but envisioning a world in which the Pacers actively play four big men consistently is difficult. All four guys bring something different to the table which makes this decision even tougher.
In a realistic sense, the Pacers would keep both starting centers in Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis while letting one of the younger guys come off the bench for 15-20 minutes each night. That also allows Sabonis to still run with the second unit which he has been effective over the past two seasons.
With T.J. McConnell returning and locking in a bench spot as well, that leaves three open rotation spots between Edmond Sumner, Oshae Brissett, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday, and one of Goga and Jackson. If Goga wants to be part of the rotation next season, showing out in the Summer League is a must.
He will undoubtedly be one of the better players on the floor for Indiana and his experience in the NBA is certainly in his favor. Goga has a role as a shot-blocking big man who can pose enough of a threat from deep to be a force on offense. He also showed flashes of brilliance near the rim last season and had some fun slams in the process.
The selection of Isaiah Jackson should hopefully motivate Goga to be even better moving forward and to be a more consistent player on both ends. His flashes were excellent but they often come far too seldomly. Hopefully, another shot at real minutes in the Summer League will envoke some confidence in Bitadze.
This summer could also open up some other doors for Goga. If he plays well and other teams notice, he could be dealt in a trade to a roster that will value him and could give him the minutes he needs. I do think he has done a fine job in Indiana but the logjam at the position has made it difficult for him to grow on the court.
Sure, learning behind two very good players is good for Goga but it can only be worth it if he is getting on the floor and proving himself. For now, the Pacers just cannot make that happen, especially if they want to compete at a high level.
There should be teams out there who value Goga as a backup center and could offer Indiana something in exchange for the third-year center. His price will be much cheaper than what the Pacers want in return for Myles Turner, and Goga has a chance to develop into a very similar player to Myles.
The 2021 NBA Summer League tips off on Sunday, August 8, in Las Vegas. The Pacers will be sending a fun team that includes 2021 first-round pick Chris Duarte, Oshae Brissett, Goga Bitadze, and more. This tournament will arguably have no greater impact on a player than Goga Bitadze who is seeking to earn his playing time for the upcoming NBA season.