Nikos Pappas between city of Athens mayorship and executive role at Panathinaikos / News - Basketnews.com

Nikos Pappas revealed that he has accepted an offer from Panathinaikos to take over the post of the team's general director.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Last December, Nikos Pappas returned to Panathinaikos Athens for what looks like his last season on basketball courts. The 33-year-old Greek guard has played some minutes in the Greek league, but overall his presence with the Greens is purely symbolic.

Nikos Pappas

Team:Panathinaikos AthensPosition:SGAge:32Height:195 cmWeight:98 kgBirth place:Marousi, GreeceProfileNewsStatistics

Over the past few weeks, his name has been associated with the municipality of Athens, as Pappas will be the candidate backed up by the left-wing party (SYRIZA).

"Many times there have been proposals that I rejected, but I have my own ideas that I want to implement, immediately," Pappas told VICE about his future in politics.

"I'm seriously considering that, too. There is no party with which I fully identify at the moment to run for election," he clarified.

"I have my own ideas and, above all, I am so disappointed with what's happening, that I can no longer stay on making social media posts and doing interviews," the athlete continued.

Credit Vangelis Stolis

"Unfortunately, I feel like there's no room for me not to do something. People ask you, 'Are you capable?' The only certainty is that those in charge are incompetent. And that's why I feel the need to get out there and be more active," he explained, before confirming that he will run for mayor of Athens.

"This idea has long been growing in me. I want to create an expanded coalition, which will receive support from those who identify with my ideas. I was very pleased to have already received the support from [SYRIZA president and former Prime Minister] Alexis Tsipras," Pappas said.

The experienced guard referred to his basketball aspirations that aren't reduced to his on-court assignments with Panathinaikos' jersey.

"I told myself it's either Panathinaikos or nowhere. I'd quit if I didn't come here," Pappas said about his comeback more than two years since he left the club (2020) that first signed him in 2013.

2-pointers this season

51%18,2Points made:18,2Accuracy:50,7%Place in standings:16Record max:28Record min:11Most made 2FGs:Dwayne BaconTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"I'm no longer playing basketball for a living. And when I am used to playing for Panathinaikos and its fans, it is very difficult to find motivation based solely on money or love for the game. I like basketball, but I can play in my neighborhood," he underlined.

Pappas revealed that he's not getting paid by Panathinaikos.

"My reward is to be here with the team, to come to OAKA and see the fans; to live the experience as much as I can," he said.

Pappas was also asked about his all-time favorite coach.

"I like coaches who are fair. The sense of justice is very strong within me," he responded.

"That's why I got along well with [Dusko] Ivanovic, who is a very strange man. But he would yell at [Dimitris] Diamantidis, in the same way, he yelled at the team's 15th player. So we all knew meritocracy and justice were upheld," he further pointed out.

"Xavi Pascual was a good coach and a good guy, as was [Argyris] Pedoulakis, who matured me as a player. [Giannis] Sfairopoulos, at my beginning, didn't spoon-feed me. He was strict but fair, and we found a way to get along."

Pappas thinks fairness is the most important feature for a team to function well.

"If you know that the team will punish the best player for misconduct, you cannot relax or feel aggrieved when it's your turn," he maintains.

Given the fact that this is probably Pappas' last season in pro basketball, his professional plans - if he doesn't become a full-time Athens mayor anytime soon- also revolve around Panathinaikos.

"I have already received an offer from the team to take up a serious administrative position," he revealed.

"It's something close to a general director. They trust my judgment and my perception. They want me to be close to the team and take initiative and decisions. And I thank them for that acceptance and appreciation," Pappas said and referred to his experience of playing wheelchair basketball.

Credit Vangelis Stolis

"Each team is allowed to have up to two non-disabled athletes on its roster. I get to the court comfortably, while my teammates, in order to get to practice, go through an arduous process.

Even getting in their car takes enormous physical strength. They have an incredible thirst and will to play sports – that sensitized me to start watching them more closely and to develop the relationship we have now."

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