Georgrios Papagiannis, Greece
Age: 18 years old Size: 7’2, 250 pounds
Last Season’s Stats: 5.5 points; 2.5 rebounds; 0.5 assists per game
Percentages: 68% from the field; N/A from three-point; 66.7% from the free throw line
If the Nuggets are looking for a draft-and-stash player in the late second round, look no further than Papagiannis. The Greek center is a mobile and athletic center that boasts a humongous frame at a minuscule age. To be 18 years old and already 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds with coordination is staggering.
Papagiannis runs the court extremely well and uses his length, size, and quickness to gain position in the post. He projects as a solid rim-runner and, based off of his free throw stroke, could develop a mid-range jump shot. Experience is not an issue either, being that he has been playing professionally in Greece since he was 14 years old.
The biggest drawback with Papagiannis is how blatantly uninterested he can be defensively. He is slow, not as tough as you would think, relies on his size too much, and gives up on defensive possession much too easily. His offensive versatility is nothing to get excited for, either. He’s not very good diving after setting screens and has no jump shot yet. He is out of condition and tends to be lazy.
If the Nuggets have to make a selection they have no room for on the roster and need to draft-and-stash it makes sense to take a chance on a higher upside type center like Papagiannis. If he can develop a jump shot and buy in defensively he could become a force in time. Look for the Nuggets to think about him with either second round pick.
