[Video] Kostas Papanikolaou Highlights (12 points, 4 threes) vs. Jazz

The $13M money on Ariza and KPap was so wisely spent.

No, I don't miss Parsons any more. Not a bit.

KPap will only get better after the jittery feeling on NBA court is behind him.

 

He plays better defense than Scola.

 

See also: Luis Scola

 

He looks fantastic. I was already ecstatic thinking he'd only shoot 28-30% from three. If he can bring the three this year too? Man that's exciting. He has great vision and defensive instincts.

Let's not forget, we flipped Thomas Robinson's dead weight for K-Pap AND two second round picks. Great trade by DM for a "salary dump"

 

Two other players who players that play(ed) faster that they are... Manu and (showing a bit of age) Chris Mullin. Heck, even Larry Bird was slower than he played. You don't need to be the fastest or quickest if you (1) have court knowledge, awareness, and vision and (2) move to the open spots. Sometimes it only takes a step or two, sometimes it involves being in constant motion. Watch Kostas on the court... he will run through the key and then step out, all the while looking for the ball.

 

love his game and attitude. thanks for posting.

 

The Larry Bird of Greece

I guess people forgot how good Cassipi looked in his first couple of games for us

 

I notice McHale calling more plays (and the Rockets actually executing) involving Papa.

Vs. LAL, the ATO play at end of 1st half where Paps got the ball to TJones who handed it off to a streaking Harden for a layup. McHale substituted Paps in to be the inbounder.

Vs. Jazz, his 3rd three of the night. Coaches designed a play where Paps set a screen for Harden and then stepped out to the 3pt line to receive the pass from Harden.

Probably now we have the vets and high IQ guys to run the offense that coaches have been teaching since 2 years ago.

 

I disagree. Casspi had a hot start for us shooting-wise.

We've already seen Papa when he's cold, and he still looks good making plays for his teammates.

He's young, but very experienced already. So he fits right in with the veterans.

 

The one thing K-pap does that Parsons couldn't do is create off the dribble in an iso situation. K-pap isn't the finisher Parsons is but his BB IQ is really high.

 

Carlos Delfino 2.0

 

The only thing I don't like about Kostas is how people are calling him. "K-Pap" is the worst nickname ever next to D-HO. Come on people give better nicknames.

 

Things that Kostas brings immediately to the Rockets...

1. Underrated defense (just knows how to defend) and plays passing lanes well
2. Court Awareness/Willing passer
3. High Basketball IQ
4. "K"rafty shot making ability
5. Unselfish/keeps "moving the ball"

I believe that his shooting will only improve...And much like one Parsons early in his career, Kostas is earning PT by playing solid defense.

 

Have the fans settled on a nickname for him yet?

Papa(unoriginal, but it works)
K-Pap(sounds like a radio station)
Pappasito's or Pappadeaux(only H-Town residents would get the reference)
Pap Kostas(Bob Costas would like it)

 

I've heard McHale call him Pap, which is how his Greek fans call him too.

 

I can imagine Kostas being a great NBA player once he:

a) Adapts more to the NBA 3 point line
b) Gets in to NBA shape

But seriously, what a baller. Please keep him for us Morhey

 

Like I said: Papa K. Works for me and rolls of the tongue fast after one of his great plays.

 

Yes, we do.

 

Coming from the guy whose name is THE DUDE.

 

The Pappas restaurant chain is nationwide. I would go with one those. Pappasito.