Kostas
"The Bull"
Papanikolaou

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Kostas Papanikolaou's Biography

Konstantinos “Kostas” Papanikolaou, affectionately referred to as “Air Pap,” was born on July 31st, 1990, in Greece. As a cherished figure in the sport, Kostas has carved out a distinguished career as a pro basketball player, solidifying his place as one of the industry’s most established players. Standing at a towering height of 6’8 1/2″ and adeptly handling the small forward position, Papanikolaou’s impressive abilities on the court have been widely recognised amongst his peers. His defensive prowess, in particular, has led him to be regarded as one of the top defensive players within European basketball.

In his early years, Kostas Papanikolaou began his journey in basketball by playing with Proteas Grevenon and Aris youth teams. He made his professional debut in the Greek League with Aris during the 2008–09 season and swiftly established himself as a promising player. Such was his potential; he was honored as the MVP of the Greek Youth All-Star Game and also named the Greek League’s Best Young Player in 2009.

On September 14th, 2009, Papanikolaou accepted a lucrative five-year offer from Olympiacos. During his time with Olympiacos, he achieved phenomenal success, bagging the EuroLeague and Greek League championships in 2012. Following his outstanding performances, he was voted the EuroLeague Rising Star for the EuroLeague 2012–13 season.

Kostas continued his upward trajectory by signing a four-year contract with Spanish League club FC Barcelona on July 20th, 2013. His stint with Barcelona saw him contribute to the team’s victory in the 2013-14 Spanish Liga ACB championship.

Papanikolaou’s sterling professional career encompasses his selection for the 48th pick in the 2012 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, later traded to the Portland Trail Blazers and finally, the Houston Rockets in 2013. He officially joined the Houston Rockets in 2014. However, after some brief stints with a few NBA teams, Kostas found himself returning to his roots, Olympiacos, in January 2016.

Ever since his return to Olympiacos, Papanikolaou’s affinity with the team has only grown stronger. Cementing his status with the team, he agreed on a contract extension in 2018 for three years and another three-year extension in 2020. Come July 2023, Kostas solidified his future with Olympiacos by renewing his contract through 2026.

Papanikolaou’s accolades extend past his professional career, with his active participation in junior national basketball teams of Greece. He bagged a silver medal in the 2007 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship and the gold medal in the 2008 FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship, culminating in a silver medal at the 2009 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

Furthermore, Papanikolaou’s invaluable contribution to the Greek national team has not gone unnoticed. He has represented Greece in numerous high-level tournaments, including EuroBasket 2011, the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the EuroBasket 2013, the 2014 FIBA World Cup, the EuroBasket 2015, the EuroBasket 2017, the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and, most recently, the EuroBasket 2022.

Described as a smart off-ball player, Konstantinos’ versatility on the court allows him to adapt to different positions. With his effective shooting prowess, speed and size, Papanikolaou is not only a formidable opponent offensively but also exhibits excellent defensive skills aided immensely by his long legs and elusive abilities. He bagged the title of 2017 Greek League Best Defender and the Spanish ACB League Best Defender in 2014.

Recognised for his leadership skills, Kostas has played a pivotal role in guiding Olympiacos to the Euroleague Championship Game in 2023 as the team captain. His continued dedication and performance in the sport showcase his unwavering commitment and love for basketball.

Kostas Papanikolaou's Questions & Answers

Who Is Kostas Papanikolaou In The NBA?
Kostas Papanikolaou is a Greek professional basketball player who has previously played in the NBA for the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets.

What Is Kostas Papanikolaou's Height?
Kostas Papanikolaou is 6 feet 8 inches tall.

Who Is Kostas Papanikolaou's Wife?
The name of Kostas Papanikolaou's wife is not specifically mentioned in the provided context.

Who Is Kostas Papanikolaou In Euroleague?
Kostas Papanikolaou, also known as "Air Pap", is a Greek professional basketball player who serves as the team captain for Olympiacos in the Greek Basket League and the EuroLeague, typically playing at the small forward position.

What Is Kostas Papanikolaou's Salary?
The specific salary details of Kostas Papanikolaou are unknown.

What Is Kostas Papanikolaou's Schedule And What Are His Results?
As a journalist, I do not have specific details on Kostas Papanikolaou's individual schedule or results, as these are typically only disclosed by the team or the athlete.