2018 NBA Mock Draft: What’s in store for the second round?

We’re starting to establish a leaguewide definition for unicorn big men, and that framework — a 7-footer who can shoot 3s and protect the rim — leads me to believe that Bitadze falls into that broad categorization. The Nets could hit a home run if they see enough to bet on him.

Bitadze is strong, quick and instinctive on the court, a matchup nightmare no matter who defends him. He has averaged 12.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game in international competition this year, and has become a consistent lock for at least 15 points a night over the last month. He dominates mismatches, shoving smaller players or leaping over slower ones until he’s in position to score. The rim is his buddy.

Brooklyn is very young, meaning they are unlikely to add all three of their draft selections to their 2018-19 roster. They will attempt to add young free agents as they do every offseason, and their current core needs room to grow. Stashing a prospect overseas makes good sense for the Nets. Bitadze can keep crushing it in the Adriatic League, developing that unicorn skill set even further, while Brooklyn starts to find its way after its final traded pick changes hands this summer.

Bitadze is the type of player any team should covet, but few like the Nets have the chance to groom him properly.