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Kostas Papanikolaou To Have Breakout Season For Houston Rockets?

By Bryan Rose

Oct 13, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) shoots during the first quarter as Houston Rockets forward Kostas Papanikolaou (16) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) shoots during the first quarter as Houston Rockets forward Kostas Papanikolaou (16) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Rockets are hopeful that former second-round pick Kostas Papanikolaou will have a breakout season alongside Dwight Howard and James Harden.

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After winning consecutive Euroleague titles, Kostas Papanikoloau decided to bring his talents across the Atlantic after signing a contract with the Houston Rockets.

A former second round pick, Papanikolaou was thought to be a future fixture of the Rockets organization though his two-year stint in Europe threw that plan off for the time being. However, Kostas Papanikolaou has finally decided to bring his talents to the NBA and the Houston Rockets couldn’t be happier.

Now the big man is set for a big season and David Aldridge of NBA.com believes it could be his coming out party.

"The 6-foot-8 forward has been “tough as nails,” another source said. “Shoots the ball decent. But he just knows how to play. He’s in the right place at the right time, knows how to pass.” Last year the Rockets peaked in March, but got overrun by Portland in the playoffs. The idea this season is a longer buildup to, hopefully, better postseason success."

With the Houston Rockets trading Omar Asik to the New Orleans Pelicans during the offseason, the team opened up plenty of floor time for Kostas Papanikolaou so playing time shouldn’t be an issue for the talented young forward.

He’s unlikely to be a focal point on the offensive side of the ball due to both Dwight Howard and James Harden being on the roster, though has put up double-digit shot attempts during two of his three preseason contests.

As expected there have been some struggles though his offensive game should expand once the regular season begins and he plays with better talent on the floor. For now though the Houston Rockets are excited to have Kostas Papanikolaou on the roster and it seems the feeling is mutual.

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