Bitadze and Jackson continue showing their worth
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — If there weren’t enough reasons to finally move on from the Turner and Sabonis pairing, the recent play of Goga Bitadze and Isaiah Jackson might be the final nail in the Turbonis coffin.
Both players are extremely young. Both players were first round picks that were basically wasting away on the bench. And both players are proving to be fully capable back-ups (or more) in this league.
In his last five games (not counting his 3-minute Laker appearance), Bitadze has averaged 15.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. On Wednesday night, Goga had 17 points in 18 minutes of action.
This isn’t the first time Goga has played well. He’s had some really nice stretches before when given the opportunity:
“Goga is giving us solid minutes,” said Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle. “He’s continuing to learn the game and where he needs to be.”
The sample size is smaller for Isaiah Jackson, but the talent is clearly there. At just 20 years of age, Jackson is flashing the “breathtaking” defense that Carlisle talked about at Media Day, while showing some offensive prowess as well. He put together a 17 point game on Wednesday night, after having a 15 point, seven rebound game last week. Dare I say it? Isaiah Jackson could give the Pacers Myles Turner type production within a few years.
The NBA Trade Deadline is 15 days away. Whether the Pacers trade a big by then, or if they wait until the summer, it’s pretty clear the days of Turbonis are numbered. With Bitadze and Jackson on the roster, the Pacers are covered and can use the trade return and money saved elsewhere to improve this roster.
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