After deciding to test the NBA Draft waters following Oregon’s unceremonious NCAA Tournament exit in the second round against rival Arizona, Ducks Center Nate Bittle additionally retained his final year of eligibility.
From an outsider’s perspective, it could be a little confusing. Was the big man gone, or was he coming back?
From an insider view, however, it seems relatively (anything can happen, after all) clear that Bittle’s intention never really was to call it a day in Eugene in the first place, and instead use this opportunity to build a more certain future in pro basketball while elevating his stardom amongst the college ranks.
After key players Jackson Shelstad and Kwame Evans Jr announced they’d be running it back with Oregon, Bittle was found to be attending spring classes at UO, something that would hardly seem necessary had he decided to move forward with focusing on the NBA.
Additionally, the June 15th deadline for Bittle’s decision gave him a solid three months to gage interest and asses his own skills. If you’re not certain about how you’d fair playing with the “big boys”, predraft workouts could be a great testing experience.
With Golden State, Bittle will receive just that. I don’t expect any real interest on either side here. Yes, the Warriors could use more bigs, but they’re likely to want one that will have more of an immediate impact.
Which brings us to Bittle.
For the first time in 2025 Bittle was not playing along with now Houston Rocket N’Faly Dante. Additionally, Bittle was healthy.
All that being said, his averages of 14 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, while certainly solid, do not necessarily jump off the page to NBA scouts.
Bittle is a legitimate 7-feet tall, and you can’t teach height. But his slighter, less-athletic frame may not be what a lot of teams are looking for unless he was also a true stretch five.
Barely scratching 34 percent from NCAA 3-point range, it’s hard to consider him that.
All in all, Bittle isn’t really in the mix for in-demand players by NBA standards, and I think he full heartedly realizes that.
Another year under Altman to bulk up, refine his outside shot, and add some additional footwork, and he’d be a much better bet to land on an NBA roster.
Nothing, as of now, is confirmed...but when June 15th comes don’t expect Bittle to be anywhere but back with the Ducks.