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Kostas Papanikolaou is the only guy of the two that you need to look up. Quite impressive and one of the best young up and comers in the euroleague. Also he plays small forward which is currently the position Rockets lack depth in the most so I'm hoping he comes next year or maybe even during the winter. Pro career Greek Youth All-Star Game: MVP: (2009) 2x Greek League Best Young Player: (2009, 2012) 2x Greek Cup Champion: (2010, 2011) 2x Euroleague Champion: (2012, 2013) Greek League Champion: (2012) Greek League Best Five Team: (2012) Greek League All-Star: (2013) Euroleague Rising Star: (2013) Greek national team 2007: FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship: Silver 2008 Albert Schweitzer Tournament: Gold 2008: FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship: Gold 2009: FIBA Under-19 World Championship: Silver 2009: FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship: Gold 2009: FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship: All-Tournament Team 2009: FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship: MVP 2010 FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship: Silver 2010: FIBA Europe Under-20 Championship: All-Tournament Team
Papanikolaou is a very talented young player. He's been one of the key contributors on the Greek club Olympiacos, a team that won back-to-back European championships, the second club to ever accomplish the feat! He also one most improved player in the Euroleague this past year. He's the complete package in a small forward - excellent outside shot, can attack and create off the dribble and a good defender. Definitely a nice player to stash and bring over in 1-2 years.
Welcome both to the Rockets! With that said, I have no clue who they are or how they play.. Researching a bit on the internet, Kostas Papanikolaou looks like a 3pt specialist with good size. However best case is Omri Casspi on DraftExpress? http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Kostas-Papanikolaou-6147/ Marko Todorovic has good size, young and hard working. http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Marko-Todorovic-6414/ Can anyone share more insight on the two new Rockets? How soon can they become a factor in NBA?
I hope I am not just distracted by his scraggly beard, hair and skin color -- but he seems like a bigger Carlos Delfino.
Kostas Papanikolaou nickname: Pap Smear...Fear the Smear!!! All jokes aside, this kid is good...really good.
I know the guy was wanting to be traded from Portland because he wanted to come over this year and Portland wasn't willing to pay his 1 mil euro buyout. As for what the Rockets plan to do with him who knows, but its a good sign that he wants over as soon as possible.
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/papa_shot_RrBjOOwiJyQYoFmO1xmBZJ So Morey is intends to sign Papanikolaou or use him as a trade sweetener this free agency?
Now bear with me since I haven't seen him play. But from what it sounds and looks like from scouting reports and videos, I'd say a fair comparison to play style and maybe even talent level would be Andrés Nocioni. Similar size, range, and athleticism just from the look of it. Of course I could be completely wrong and I will openly admit to that so I will let someone else with more knowledge give a better answer.