Rising big man Goga Bitadze working out with Celtics pre-draft
The Boston Celtics are reportedly working out sought-after European and former Buducnost VOLI big man Goga Bitadze in pre-draft workouts.
Bitadze, a 19-year-old center with a skilled post game and developing perimeter shot, is already an imposing figure at 6'11 and 250 pounds. He's also good on the defensive end of the floor, logging 2.3 blocks per game with Buducnost VOLI last season (who compete in both the Euroleague and Adriatic leagues, ranked first and eighth after the NBA globally) with excellent timing bolstered by his length (he has a 7'2 wingspan).
While his numbers from deep aren't exactly breathtaking (he shot 31.3% from three last season), his mechanics are solid and free throw percentage (.714) high enough to suggest he'll be able to develop the shot with some work. He´ll also need to improve his lateral footwork, foul rate, and finishing skills, but can eat well enough via backdoor cuts and pick-and-rolls, while also being a good distributor.
Currently projected somewhere in the range of Boston's lone lottery pick (14th) down to as far as the team's two later picks (20th and 22nd), Bitadze would be an intriguing option with the latter two selections. I like his upside, but without that outside shot, is too much of a risk to take in the lottery.
Goga Bitadze said that he has already worked out for the Spurs and will also go on to work out for Boston, Detroit and Charlotte. Will attend draft in NY afterward.— Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) June 13, 2019
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