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2019 NBA Mock Draft: Full lottery impact on the first round

By Rob Wolkenbrod

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Deputy Commissioner of the NBA, Mark Tatum takes the stage at the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 14: Deputy Commissioner of the NBA, Mark Tatum takes the stage at the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery on May 14, 2019 at the Chicago Hilton in Chicago, Illinois. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Goga Bitadze (Photo by Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Goga Bitadze (Photo by Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

147. . C. Rep. of Georgia. Goga Bitadze. 27. player

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

From years of draft struggles via the Paul Pierce–Kevin Garnett trade to everything in 2018-19, the Brooklyn Nets found unexpected success. Now, they have two first-round picks to work with, the second of which comes via the Kenneth Faried trade, which became a salary dump with the Denver Nuggets. Faried no longer plays for Brooklyn.

The Nets have a batch of young talent in place, and they have ventured to the international scene to fill some of these roster spots, including Rodions Kurucs in 2018. Goga Bitadze has the chance to become the latest to head to this rising team.

Bitadze is just the second international player to land in the first round of the 2019 NBA Draft. His game mostly comes under the basket, including 2.3 blocks and as a solid rebounder in 23.6 minutes per game in 2018-19.

Like most modern-day big men, the Georgian center has an outside shot. It might not be the most consistent part of his game, but it exists and can help him transition to the NBA easier, especially as a reserve to start.

If necessary, Bitadze can stay overseas to work on his game and arrive a year or two down the road. The Nets have Jarrett Allen in place and can use a veteran free agent this summer, so this potential 27th overall pick might not find much playing time next year, anyway.

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