When Georgios Papagiannis was selected with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the vast majority of the basketball world was stunned. In short, Papagiannis was not viewed as anything approaching a lottery pick prior to the selection process and, given that the Sacramento Kings were the team that pulled the trigger, the jokes were flying all over the place.
After less than two years with the organization, Papagiannis was waived on Thursday and, to put it plainly, it was an uncommon occurrence given the fact that most lottery picks do not see their contracts simply waived in this nature. Following the move itself, though, things got even more interesting, as Papagiannis’ agent Marios Olympios had some very interesting comments about his client and the organization.
Olympios was reportedly speaking to a Greek radio station (via EuroHoops) when he criticized the Kings in swift fashion.
“He never got a chance by the Kings. He had a double-double every time he played in the G League. He had to travel for two and a half hours every time he was assigned to (Reno) and still he performed. There are many details that prove that he never got a real chance.”
While that was scathing enough from an agent’s perspective, Olympios wasn’t close to done, indicating that the move was “proof that something is wrong with the Kings.”
“He is a free agent. We have options and we are good with that. He is 20 years old and he already has a great resume. I don’t know if the Kings are also good with that. Unfortunately, in the draft, you can’t pick a team. You are picked. Georgios ended up in a very disorganized franchise and I think that everyone in the NBA is shocked by the decision made by the Kings. It’s one more proof that something is wrong with the Kings.”
Papagiannis averaged 4.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in 38 games across two seasons in Sacramento and, in general, the 7-footer was thoroughly underwhelming. If anything, he benefits greatly from the guaranteed contract garnered as a first-round pick and, even though he was waived, Papagiannis’ contract for 2018-19 was already picked up and will be paid by the Kings.
In the end, this is more amusing than anything and Papagiannis, as noted by his agent, will be a free agent that is able to sign anywhere he’d like. What will be interesting, though, is the kind of interest he receives on the open market.
