Most NBA fans were introduced to Goga Bitadze by a sympathy-invoking photograph. Now Pacers fans will get to know him for his performance.
The Pacers selected the 6-foot-11 center from the Republic of Georgia with the 18th pick in Thursday's NBA draft, convinced enough of his talent and potential to add him to a roster already featuring two established 6-foot-11 players, Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis.
Most mock drafts projected Bitadze to be selected before the Pacers' turn came in the first round, some as high as 12th. The Pacers had him in their top 10, according to President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard.