Georgios Papagiannis

Too many variables to guess at this point. Joerger isn't going to start the season in the tank so if we keep KK it's pretty safe to assume that he will be the starter. At that point it depends on the draft and if we wind up with someone like Zach Collins. Then it will depend on Papa's development over the summer. After that it will depend on how well or poorly the team plays. If they have a Brooklyn Nets type start to the season, he will probably end up playing more. If we are somewhere within the vicinity of 8th, he will probably play less with WCS taking up a lot of the minutes at C along with KK.
Which is why Koufos has to go. Between Tolliver, Temple, and a veteran PG, the team has enough "veteran leadership." Trading Koufos is good for him, and good for the Kings.
 

gunks

Hall of Famer
I like KK....

But I agree that he should be traded. He probably has a much trade value as anyone on the roster, and really we don't need him. He's a "playoff team" player. If he can help us make a move on draft day, I think Vlade pulls the trigger.

Unleash Papa G. Thanks to that awful Cuz trade our goal next season is a high lotto pick. We don't need KK around for that.
 
If there's a deal out there for Koufos that improves the team long term then of course you make it.

If you could use him to move up in the draft (possibly taking back a bad contract) then sure.

If he could bring back a solid PG then that might be a a good move.

If he can be used as an expiring contract at the deadline then you see who he might bring back.

But there's no reason to trade him just to trade him. He's an ideal mentor for Papagiannis, especially as they both speak Greek.

He's a hardworking pro who makes his living by being rock solid as an interior defender. And unless the Kings draft a center they'll a third one on the roster anyway.
 
If there's a deal out there for Koufos that improves the team long term then of course you make it.

If you could use him to move up in the draft (possibly taking back a bad contract) then sure.

If he could bring back a solid PG then that might be a a good move.

If he can be used as an expiring contract at the deadline then you see who he might bring back.

But there's no reason to trade him just to trade him. He's an ideal mentor for Papagiannis, especially as they both speak Greek.

He's a hardworking pro who makes his living by being rock solid as an interior defender. And unless the Kings draft a center they'll a third one on the roster anyway.
Totally agree. KK is a rock-solid pro. And if we can afford to keep him (in contrast with what we can get for him), but keep him in a back-up role, he will contonue to be good for Papa and good for the Kings.
 
The biggest surprise to me about PapaG? His ability to set some really good screens, I love it. Exciting prospect to watch grow, maybe he could be our Enes Kanter in the future, who can be our 6th man and play at least some defense, unlike Kanter.
I actually really like this comparison. Kanter is one of the few players left with a dominant post-game and I think Papa has the touch and size to tap into that kind of potential. I like that as a role for him moving forward too; 15-25 MPG and letting him be effective in 5-7 minute spurts.
 
Totally agree. KK is a rock-solid pro. And if we can afford to keep him (in contrast with what we can get for him), but keep him in a back-up role, he will contonue to be good for Papa and good for the Kings.
Here is the thing about Joeger, he loves KK and what he brings to the team in his defense and rebounding.

If KK is on the team on opening day, expect him to start opposite WCS.

Joeger stuck to KK starting next to DMC, even though it was not working. Joeger is really stubborn about KK starting.

Skal would be coming off the bench, until he proves to be a really, really, really consistent player.
 
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If you miss PapaG already:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTGgTfGBbf4/



He is in Athens, he was invited to watch the Euroleague QF game of his previous team (Panathinaikos) , when the crowd noticed him they demanded that he would stand up for a proper cheering.


The game atmosphere was as always brilliant , but unf0rtunately we did one of our worst second halves ever and lost the first game and home advantage (best of 5)

 
Here is the thing about Joeger, he loves KK and what he brings to the team in his defense and rebounding.

If KK is on the team on opening day, expect him to start opposite WCS.

Joeger stuck to KK starting next to DMC, even though it was not working. Joeger is really stubborn about KK starting.

Skal would be coming off the bench, until he proves to be a really, really, really consistent player.
I sort-of agree with you and sort-of don't. While it looked at times that Joerger was insistent about starting KK along with DMC, which didn't instill confidence in anyone, it's at least as likely that he wanted KK in the starting lineup to prevent DMC from getting into early foul trouble.
Also, did you notice that KK wins almost all of his jump-balls? DMC, in contrast, has only won two jump balls in his career (both against IT). :D
That said, I hope KK remains a King, and that he never makes it back into the starting lineup (barring injury). Skal is ready now. Not a year from now.
 

Kingster

Hall of Famer
Actually, Cousins'
Which is why Koufos has to go. Between Tolliver, Temple, and a veteran PG, the team has enough "veteran leadership." Trading Koufos is good for him, and good for the Kings.
I'd be surprised if Koufos is traded because of his mentoring relationship with Papa and the other bigs on the team. Guys like Koufos and Temple are extremely important in guiding the youngins in their development on this team, imo.
 
George will be blogging for a greek basketball site:

http://basketa.gr/η-μεγαλύτερη-τιμή-είναι-να-παίζεις-για/

(it will literally sound greek to you :D )

And since the day at work is slow , I translated it for you, as I doubt you will get the info in english anywhere (the translation was done quickly so excuse any mistakes please :D )

Good morning

This is the little "corner" basketa.gr gave me to keep you company and I hope that you will too, especially for the period I am not in Greece. Starting today, since I am already in the USA.

My first round at Sacramento from the Draft to the end of Regular season is over. A season, which didn't turn out as I would have thought it would be. The program was mainly "A lot of work", and during discussions Reno Bighorns were mentioned as a possibility. It was decided that I should play there as well and get some experience through the games as the team already had its core.It turned out to be a very good experience for me; I learned more on how the game is played in the USA, and the differences in comparison to the European style.

For me there was no difference regarding where I was playing. My plan was only hard work in practice. I never gave up. I did exactly what I was told by the team; sometimes I had to switch teams within a day or a couple… That meant 2 hours drive back and forth on good weather, up to 5 in bad weather, so that you will get an idea "geographically“. Near the end of the season I stayed with the Kings, had some good game and we have to continue from that point…

I ended the regular season, the way I wanted (with the Kings). I entered the plane and came to Greece which I have missed. Not so much my immediate family as my parents are here most of the time and my brother Minas as well. Family! I am lucky in that aspect, I always had a good home cooked meal, unlikely many young players in a new town.

I had missed my friends. Saw them, talked a lot, had a great time… Only for a little while of course, because my schedule is waiting for me, and it will be finalized now that I came back: A lot of workouts daily, not only about basketball, but for strengthening, stamina and condition as well, with special exercise in the sand for my legs. It will be a good… boost for me and my teammates...Everyone will have his personal schedule, but we will be there for each other, and help as bond even better...

I am also really looking forward for our National Team. I hope I am well and be for the preparation in August, as i already got the OK from the Kings. I am really happy about it, being back to the National teams (he is eligible for both Men and U21). I will repeat what I usually say: It is the biggest honor for a player to represent his country.

So I hope I will see you on August and then on Helsinki. And hopefully later in Turkey…

That’s it for now…Talk to you soon…

Bless you all,

George
 

bajaden

Hall of Famer
Actually, Cousins'


I'd be surprised if Koufos is traded because of his mentoring relationship with Papa and the other bigs on the team. Guys like Koufos and Temple are extremely important in guiding the youngins in their development on this team, imo.
Agreed! The Kings are trying to build a culture and an identity. That takes time, and players like Koufos help in that area. I'm not saying I wouldn't trade him if the right deal came along, but I certainly wouldn't trade him simply because he's taking minutes away from Papa. Now if the Kings end up drafting Zach Collins, then maybe we have to revisit this subject, but I'm hoping it doesn't come to that. Koufos is the kind of solid pro that you want your young players to be around.
 
George will be blogging for a greek basketball site:

http://basketa.gr/η-μεγαλύτερη-τιμή-είναι-να-παίζεις-για/

(it will literally sound greek to you :D )

And since the day at work is slow , I translated it for you, as I doubt you will get the info in english anywhere (the translation was done quickly so excuse any mistakes please :D )
Thanks for taking the time to translate.

Ive made a 180 with georgois. He seems to be a very hard working young kid and that is half the battle right there. I can't wait to see how much this kid grows!
 

Kingster

Hall of Famer
The #1 thing I want Papa G to work on over the summer is to rectify his bad habit of putting the ball on the floor after getting it close to the basket (within 12' or so) in an offensive rebound situation. If he can just learn to offensive rebound, have balance, and put it up with a jump hook with no dribble he's going to have much higher effectiveness next year.

In the same vein, when WCS isn't undergoing navy seal training, I'd like for him to take a look at the film when he also gets the ball within 12' because usually his feet are flailing in all kinds of directions when he puts up the shot. If he can just take a half a beat longer and get his balance for a jump hook he also could finish much better and be much more valuable to this team.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
The #1 thing I want Papa G to work on over the summer is to rectify his bad habit of putting the ball on the floor after getting it close to the basket (within 12' or so) in an offensive rebound situation. If he can just learn to offensive rebound, have balance, and put it up with a jump hook with no dribble he's going to have much higher effectiveness next year.

In the same vein, when WCS isn't undergoing navy seal training, I'd like for him to take a look at the film when he also gets the ball within 12' because usually his feet are flailing in all kinds of directions when he puts up the shot. If he can just take a half a beat longer and get his balance for a jump hook he also could finish much better and be much more valuable to this team.
I couldn't possibly agree more. IIRC, it took Jason Thompson years to quit doing the same thing.