Kostas Papanikolaou
Key Career Moment of Kostas Papanikolaou
Kostas Papanikolaou made his mark in the NBA during the 2014-15 season with the Houston Rockets. His defining moment came in a playoff game against the Dallas Mavericks, where he played lockdown defense and hit crucial shots to help secure a series win.
Before his NBA career, Papanikolaou was instrumental in leading Olympiacos to back-to-back EuroLeague Finals in 2012 and 2013, earning a reputation as a clutch performer in European basketball.
Unique Skill of Kostas Papanikolaou
Kostas Papanikolaou's basketball IQ and defensive versatility set him apart.
Standing at 6'8, he could guard multiple positions while also contributing as a playmaker.
Konstantinos "Kostas" Papanikolaou (Greek: Κωνσταντίνος "Κώστας" Παπανικολάου; born 31 July ) nicknamed "Air Pap" is a Greek professional basketball player and the team captain for Olympiacos of the Greek Basket League (GBL) and the EuroLeague.
His ability to read passing lanes and disrupt offenses made him a valuable asset, especially in high-pressure EuroLeague and NBA games.
Kostas Papanikolaou's Stats
- 2x EuroLeague champion (2012, 2013)
- NBA career averages: 2.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists per game
- Greek League MVP (2014)
Kostas Papanikolaou's Legacy in the NBA
Though his NBA career was brief, Kostas Papanikolaou left an impact as a hardworking role player who brought European fundamentals to the league.
His success in the EuroLeague paved the way for other Greek players to transition to the NBA. A unique fact: Papanikolaou was once teammates with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Greek national team, mentoring the future NBA superstar early in his career.
View the profile of Denver Nuggets Small Forward Kostas Papanikolaou on ESPN. Get the latest news, live stats and game highlights.