Nate Bittle is a right-handed center with NBA positional size, shot-blocking instincts, and some shooting touch. Bittle averaged 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 blocked shots per game at Oregon. He spent five seasons with the Ducks after arriving as a former McDonald’s All-American. At 7'0" with a 7'6" wingspan and 254 pounds, Bittle has the size profile teams want at center. He blocks shots at a high rate, does a good job drawing fouls, and is at least a threat from three-point range. Bittle shot 32.8% from three for his career and 73.6% from the free throw line. He posted a 1.16-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. The halfcourt defense is real. Bittle makes it difficult on opponents to score against him near the basket, and his DDiff was plus 4.5. The rim protection, length, and size give him a defensive foundation. The question is whether he can move well enough for the NBA game. Bittle is slow by NBA standards and had one of the slowest times in the Pro Lane Drill. NBA basketball is very much full court, and we have doubts about Bittle’s lumbering ways. We also feel like his efficiency regressed a bit from his 2024-25 season.
Bittle suffered through wrist and ankle injuries during his Oregon career that cost him games. We do not think he will be drafted, but the size, shot-blocking, foul-drawing, and shooting threat are enough to keep him in the mix. We view Bittle as a potential low-tier backup center in the NBA.
