Take Your Best Shot: Georgios Papagiannis

This article examines Georgios Papagiannis’ offensive game to look for his best shot on the floor and why he should exploit that area more.  This is the next installment in our Take Your Best Shot Series.

On June 23rd, 2016, the Kings after some wheeling and dealing ended up with the 13th pick in the NBA Draft and selected Georgios Papagiannis.  Papagiannis is a 7’2 center who was born in Greece.  He is an experienced professional basketball player, so let us examine what we can find out about his offensive game and see if we can locate his best and most NBA-ready shot.

Papagiannis’ Best Shot

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Papagiannis played for Panathinaikos in Greece last season.  I am by no means an expert on Greek basketball teams, but with the help of Draft Express I uncovered some interesting tidbits about his game.

He plays like a traditional center on the offensive end.  I have inserted a video below showing some of his strengths and if you watch closely you’ll notice that every shot he takes comes within 10 feet of the basket.  He is going to attack the rim and rely on his hook shot in close to score in the NBA.  Draft Express reports that he connected on 72% of his shots around the rim in the half court and transition combined last season, so he is clearly successful at finishing around the rim.

Another interesting nugget from Draft Express was Papagiannis only shot 5 jump shots in 35 games last season.  Clearly, he is going to attack the paint and try to get in close to find his shots.  He is a big man with a 260-pound frame, so we will see if has the strength and ability to get inside against NBA competition and finish.

Summary

Georgios Papagiannis is an unknown when it comes to how he will adjust to the NBA.  He was a surprise lottery pick last season, but he has years of professional basketball experience in Greece and at age 19 a lot of room to improve.  Papagiannis is currently a strictly 10 feet from the basket and in threat on offense, but he been successful at finishing those attempts.  He may improve his range while playing the NBA, but currently, he needs to get down low to score.