2019 NBA Mock Draft: Full first round as lottery nears
. C. Rep. of Georgia. Goga Bitadze. 27. player. 147
Age: 19
Height, Weight: 6-foot-11, 251 pounds
Slash Line: .548/.313/.714
Season Averages: 12.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.3 BPG, 0.4 3PM
The Brooklyn Nets already had their own first-round pick earlier in the draft, with KZ Okpala in the fold as a wing for the middle of the lineup. To continue they can add a big-man prospect from the available depth of players.
Goga Bitadze is the second international mystery man of the first round. Hoisting an NBA body, he can battle under the basket for rebounds, baskets and blocked shots, with an impressive 2.3 per game overseas in just 23.6 minutes.
There is also pick-and-pop ability from the Georgian center. He made nearly 60 percent of his shots from the field and hit the occasional three-pointer. If that continues with NBA development, he can at least last off the bench.
Bitadze is not an athletic big man, however, which might hurt in transition and defending the quicker frontcourt players. Offensive consistency might take time, as well, adjusting to a different playing style.
Brooklyn can afford to leave Bitadze overseas to develop. If not, he can split time between the G League and the main roster before assuming a larger role by 2020 or 2021, with Jarrett Allen already in place.