Rick Pitino: 'Georgios Papagiannis belongs in the NBA' / News - Basketnews.com
Credit BasketNews.lt/V.Mikaitis, Imago images-Scanpix After Georgios Papagiannis' dominant performance over Real Madrid, Panathinaikos OPAP Athens center received praise from his former coach Rick Pitino.
Panathinaikos Athens / Schedule
Panathinaikos Athens Maccabi Tel Aviv83-95 Panathinaikos Athens Real Madrid87-86 ALBA Berlin Panathinaikos AthensWed18:00Yesterday, Papagiannis led victorious PAO with an outstanding double-double: 18 points (9/11 2PT, 0/1 FT), 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, 1 assist, and 30 PIR.
He tied his career-highs in points, blocks, and field goals made in the EuroLeague.
Nothing strange, Pitino went on his Twitter account to state that the 24-year-old is an NBA-material player.
"Great upset win for Panathinaikos. Excited to see my man Pap back on the court. Georgios Papagiannis with 18 & 10 in win over Real Madrid 87-86.
I'll say it for the 10th time PG belongs in NBA: at 7 feet mobile, length, terrific defensive player & shot blocker," the American specialist wrote on social media.
Papagiannis was selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns, becoming the highest-drafted Greek player ever. His rights were later traded to the Sacramento Kings on draft night.
He saw the NBA court on 39 occasions during his time with the Kings (2016-18) and Portland Trail Blazers (2018).
Papagiannis has NBA career averages of 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds.
This season, the Greek big man is averaging 9.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 16.4 PIR over 28 EuroLeague games.
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