Should the Boston Celtics have drafted Goga Bitadze at No. 14?

Though the Boston Celtics appear to be heading towards yet another playoff bound season in 2019, they are certainly not a team without weaknesses. In regard to their shallow front court depth, could center Goga Bitadze have been the more ideal selection at No. 14 than Romeo Langford?

In this past June’s NBA Draft the Boston Celtics found themselves coming away with four picks in total, two of which being first rounders. With their first pick, 14th-overall, the franchise opted to bolster their already talented wing depth and selected Indiana University’s Romeo Langford.

Prior to a thumb injury that lingered throughout his one-and-done season with the Hoosiers, the 19-year-old was seen by many as a top-10 selection in this year’s draft. With his impressive combination of size (6-6, 215-pounds) and skill set, it was hard to blame Boston for taking a player like Langford.

However, looking at the current state of their team, it is apparent the Celtics are lacking in certain areas — none of which being their wing position. Quite possibly the most glaring hole on Boston’s roster lies at center.

Frankly, this offseason took a huge hit at the franchise’s five spot.

With Al Horford (signed with Philadelphia) and Aron Baynes (traded to Phoenix) both finding new homes this summer, Beantown lost quite a bit of depth down low. Though Danny Ainge and co. did try to soften the blow by re-signing Daniel Theis and bringing in offensive stalwart and rebounding extraordinaire Enes Kanter, they still appear to be lacking in this area quite significantly.

While no one could have projected how free agency was going to play out for the Boston Celtics at the time of the draft, knowing what we know now, perhaps the organization’s best course of action this past June was to indulge in talented big man prospects that were available at the time of their selection.

To be honest, it wouldn’t have been a bad option regardless of knowing what we know now or not

However, to be fair, the level of talent at the center position in this year’s draft was a bit lacking. Still, to say there weren’t viable options when the team’s No. 14 selection came around would just be absurd.

In fact, arguably the best prospect at center was selected only four spots later by the Indiana Pacers.

That man?

Goga Bitadze.

Coming into the draft, many saw the, then 19-year-old, as the most skilled player at his position. His stature — 6-11, 245-pounds — coupled with his impressive offensive skillset and defensive prowess made the EuroLeague star a very intriguing prospect for any franchise looking for help in their front court. I myself personally believed the Georgia born baller should have been on the Boston Celtics’ radar prior to the draft.

During his time playing professionally overseas, Bitadze had himself quite a bit of success. In 2018-19, per 36-minutes, the center managed to average 17.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game on 55% shooting from the field and 31% shooting from deep while playing for Budućnost VOLI. His level of play won him multiple MVP awards as well as the EuroLeague’s Rising Star Award.

When Boston’s first selection came around, the center was very much available. Instead, the team opted to go with Langford, a player at a position that the Celtics currently have three quality starters — Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and, yes, Gordon Hayward.

Now, because of this, the franchise comes into 2019 with too much depth at their wing spot, and too little at center. Had they have taken someone like Bitadze at 14 (**cough** like I suggested) perhaps their outlook at center may not be as bleak heading into the season.

Did I believe the Celtics should have addressed their center situation this past draft? Yes. Do I still believe that? Even more than I did then.

Make no mistake about it Celtics fans, Romeo Langford is a very talented player who possesses a ton of potential. Still, had they decided to draft a guy like Goga Bitadze instead, perhaps we wouldn’t be coming into the year feeling as blue as we do about the position.

Only time will tell if the Boston Celtics made the right decision. At this moment in time, all we really have are “what if’s”.