Skal Labissiere is now with the Reno Bighorns and Georgios Papagiannis is back with the Sacramento Kings. What is going on?
According to Jason Jones, a writer for the Sacramento Bee, the Sacramento Kings have sent Skal Labissiere to the Reno Bighorns, team’s G-League affiliate, and have recalled Georgios Papagiannis back with the Kings.
Kings also recalling Georgios Papagiannis from Reno and sending Skal Labissiere to Reno
— Jason Jones (@mr_jasonjones) December 5, 2017
My Thoughts
It is confusing why the Kings have decided to make this personnel move. Although Labissiere has not played as well as I expected, I still think at this point he is a better option for the Kings than Papagiannis, despite Papa G’s recent success with the Bighorns.
Also considering the fact that Willie Cauley-Stein will be out of action for the rest of the Kings’ road trip makes it even more confusing why Sacramento is making the move right now. Hopefully, Dave Joerger and company can clarify in better detail in their next interview.
Willie Cauley-Stein will not make the two game trip to Cleveland and New Orleans due to a lower back strain.
— James Ham (@James_HamNBA) December 5, 2017
In my opinion, this roster move is a grand opportunity for Papa G. With no Cauley-Stein and Labissiere with the team, the possibility is high for Papagiannis to gain some valuable playing time for Sacramento in their next two games. If he plays well, he may remain with the team going forth.
It is also important to consider that this move may allow JaKarr Sampson and fan favorite, Jack Cooley, to get into the Kings’ rotation as well. The majority of the Kings’ fanbase will be ecstatic if Cooley is given a chance to play meaningful minutes.
Final Thoughts
Overall, sending Labissiere to Reno and bringing back Papgiannis is a questionable move from the Kings. Hopefully, for the Kings and their fans, Skal dominates with the Bighorns and Papa G thrives with the Kings. And let us also pray for a J-Cool double-double along the way.