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Papanikolaou hoping to return as early as next week

Discussion in 'Houston Rockets: Game Action & Roster Moves' started by JHL85, Apr 5, 2015.

  1. JHL85

    JHL85 Member

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    1 person likes this.
  2. Tfor3

    Tfor3 Member

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    Good news. Seems like he was out for 3 months! I like his I game and hope can help the team make a nice run.
     
  3. Williamson

    Williamson JOSH CHRISTOPHER ONLY FAN
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    He was a really important part of the rotation before the acquisitions of Brewer and Smith. Glad he's coming back. We may well need the depth.
     
  4. Zergling

    Zergling Member

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    Will be needed if someone gets injured but I don't expect him to play much if at all. Too bad he's another guy who can't really shoot.
     
  5. Verbal Christ

    Verbal Christ Member

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    12th man in the rotation?
     
  6. IzakDavid13

    IzakDavid13 Contributing Member

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    If we were in desperate need both DMo & Papa would be ready to go against OKC...but front office again is being 'cautious' with rushing injured / fatigued players back too soon.

    The success that we've had of late plus the intriguing emergence of Capela, free throws aside, has allowed the Rockets to postpone the Return of Captain Hook and Big Papa against OKC, but as I said in an earlier post, I expect DMo & Papa not only to be ready to go, but ready to return against the Spurs.

    Papa has been training with the team, but with no 5 on 5 drills. Ankle is good, but Rox aren't taking any unnecessary risks...I still expect Papa to return against the Spurs, but mail is that he will be back next week at the latest though against either Pelicans or Hornets to get in a little game time before The Playoffs.

    He has been working on his shooting & should be much improved upon return...
     
  7. IzakDavid13

    IzakDavid13 Contributing Member

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    For what it's worth barring a miracle, or him winning a bet at training - like hitting 100 3's in a row, KJ McDaniels will be the one making way for Kostas upon Papa's return.

    Dream has taken a liking to Capela and has been tutoring him..in the fine art of defence. Capela has been studying footage of Dream during his time in the D-League, especially the 93-94 run & the 94-95 season.
     
  8. JHL85

    JHL85 Member

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    Thanks for the detailed update!
     
  9. Hakeemtheking

    Hakeemtheking Member

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    Thanks for the info.

    Capela is the young guy who I think will have a breakout season next year. He has all the tools to be a true paint protector. Like some posters have noted, he has to get the defensive rotations down before becoming our backup center. Very excited about the young man.
     
  10. flamingdts

    flamingdts Member

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    He has good court vision and knows how to do a bit of everything.

    My concern is his 3 pt shooting, and he seems to lack confidence in that area as well. That being said, McHale seems to trust him a lot more than the other rookies. I expect him to get some spot minutes at the 4 if D-Mo is still out.

    The Rockets big man line-up should be limited to D-Mo, T-Jones, Smith and Dwight come playoffs. Brewer and Ariza will get extended minutes, and Ariza will likely guard the 1s in place of Terry. Papa might get a few minutes here and there, but I don't see where he fits in.
     
  11. rocketblood713

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    This is underrated good news
     
  12. RyanB

    RyanB Member

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    He will not get playing time with the tight playoff rotation
     
  13. Scolalist

    Scolalist Member

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    He better not cut back minutes of Brewer
     
  14. Rocket2008

    Rocket2008 Member

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    He will not play, way too TO prone and not a good enough shooter.
     
  15. TheRealist137

    TheRealist137 Member

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    Doubt he'll play unless he has to.
     
  16. FTW Rockets FTW

    FTW Rockets FTW Contributing Member

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    He is a grade A scrub.

    He will just be back in time to serve water and cheer lead come playoff time.

    I hope he doesn't see a minute come playoffs unless it's a blowout.
     
  17. VooDooPope

    VooDooPope Love > Hate
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    was crucial early in the season... with Brewer and Smith I doubt he gets many minuets unless we have some major foul trouble in a game.
     
  18. WinkFan

    WinkFan Contributing Member

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    So he will ride the pine in a uniform instead of a suit.
     
  19. sabesque

    sabesque Member

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    Al-Farouq Aminu is one of those guys who looks like a star against us. If we hold on to the second seed, I wonder if Kostas help us out against him if needed.
     
  20. sabesque

    sabesque Member

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    Like having him as a defensive option at the 3 when we have Ariza and Brewer guarding PGs
     

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