Report: Rockets sign Greek national Kostas Papanikolaou to 2-year, $9.4-million deal
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The Houston Rockets might have struck out on Kyle Lowry, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony this offseason, but fret not - Kostas Papanikolaou is here!
Rockets have today struck a deal to bring Kostas Papanikolaou to Houston
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 8, 2014
Papanikolaou is a small forward with size from Greek national team and Barcelona and Rockets have managed to import him for coming season
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 8, 2014
ESPN sources say Papanikolaou's deal with Houston is for $4.8 million this coming season and contains $4.6 million team option in 2015-16
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) August 8, 2014
Not so witty sarcasm aside, Papanikolaou actually holds good standing in the international circuit, as the 24-year-old small wing has good size and skills to stick in the NBA.
Papanikolaou played with Barcelona in the Spanish ACB last season where he averaged 6.6 points and four rebounds in just under 24 minutes per game. He can shoot the three and was selected by the Knicks with the 48th pick in the 2012 draft. He should help on the wing, but barring any breakouts, will likely come off the bench.
He has also competed internationally, serving as a member of the Greek national basketball team since 2009. A highlight reel is included below, in case you weren't thoroughly familiar with Papanikolaou's game.