NBA Draft 2016: Scouting Report - Georgios Papagiannis

The "Big Greek", Georgios Papagiannis or George as he said was one of the most surprising picks of the draft. Sacramento used the #13 pick for him. But who is Papagiannis?

Name: Georgios Papagiannis
Born: 1997
Position: C
Height: 7'2
*Season stats: MPG:11.32, PPG:6.52, RPG:2.78
Team: Panathinaikos

Papagiannis was playing for Panathinaikos(powerhouse in Europe) the last two years, his role was very limited, especially in Euroleague we have just seen him for few minutes, so he was not tested in the higher level of basketball in Europe. In the other hand his role in the Greek league was bigger, especially this season. 

With the arrival of the new coach for Panathinaikos, Papagiannis minutes increased a lot and more specific to the Greek finals against Olympiakos (for the non familiars are one of the greatest rivals and most intensive matches in Europe). Papagiannis was terrific in the finals and this definitely helped him raise his stocks a lot for the upcoming draft. 

Lets see what Papagiannis brings on the table.

You can't teach height, it is so simple. Papagiannis stands at 7'2 with a good frame for his age. A very mobile center for his size, he runs the floor in a decent level, especially up and down. Papagiannis lateral speed is not so good and he cannot be described as an explosive player, but with a length like that, is not a problem. A decent athlete who has a tremendous potential to improve his frame and strength. 

Offensively, Papagiannis had a limited role with Panathinaikos. Mostly we have seen him finishing near the rim after pick and roll situations and lobs. Panathinaikos has few of the best passing PG in Europe and that made his life easy. This season we have seen more post ups from him and jump-hooks, Papagiannis has very soft touches, really important for a big man. A disadvantage during his post ups is that Papagiannis is not using his strength so much, he doesn't like the contacts. Also his positioning when he is asking for the ball is questionable. 
Now, as far as it concerns his range, we have seen very limited attempts from him, Papagiannis technique is not bad by any means and if he works hard, Papagiannis should be able to become a threat from mid range, not sure at all if he can extend his range from behind the arc, but I know that Papagiannis is working on that and I wouldn't be so surprised if he extends his range behind the arc.
We have to mention that Papagiannis is a good screener, patient with the screens and always ready to roll or rescreen if needed.
Moreover Papagiannis is capable to pass the ball in double teams or to an open player, not something amazing as a passer, but above the average for a player of his size, good basketball IQ.
Last but not least, Papagiannis is a decent free trow shooter, he converted 67% of them.

Defensively, Papagiannis has a lot of room for improvement, first we have to make clear that it would be very difficult for him to defend players outside of his comfort zone which is the rim. Papagiannis needs to improve his legs and his defensive position, his legs should go lower and be more active, his hands also should be more active. 
In what he can excel in the future is as a rim protector, Papagiannis has an excellent size and when he will learn to control his body, improve his timing and positioning he should be a real threat. 
Papagiannis overall toughness needs improvement also. 

 

As you understand Papagiannis needs to improve many aspects of his game, but who doesn't in the age Papagiannis is. 
In my opinion Papagiannis will be for many years in the league and he will have a decent career, a 7 footer with soft hands and very good potential as a rim protector are not easy to be found. 
My only worry is the situation which George Papagiannis will face in Sacramento, last year they drafted Willie Cauley Stein, another true 7-footer with excellent athleticism and size, apart from that, they have a very good backup center in the face of Kostas Koufos (I expect him to help a lot Papagiannis, both are from Greece), not to mention the presence of Cousins, who most probably will play as PF this season. And above all these, Sacramento drafted Skal Labissiere with the #28 pick, the "steal" of the draft ? We may discuss that in a later article. Overall, an overcrowded situation in Sacramento, not sure how and if it will work.

Hope you enjoyed the report and looking forward to your comments.

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*MPG: Minutes per game, PPG: Points per game, RPG: Rebounds per game, PER: Player efficient rate, APG: Assist per game, FG: Field goals.