Dreams really do come true, and for Georgios Papagiannis, that dream was to play in the NBA.
“It’s a dream come true because my first NBA jersey was from Sacramento,” Papagiannis said at his introductory press conference Monday. “As a little kid I dreamed to play for the same team.”
After being selected by the Kings with the No. 13 pick, Papagiannis can finally put on the same jersey he had as a kid. Only this time, it’s official.
Papagiannis couldn’t recall which player the jersey belonged to, but chances are it was Peja Stojakovic.
Stojakovic moved to Greece at the age of 16 and played for the Greek club team PAOK for four seasons. He was drafted by the Kings with the No. 14 pick in the 1996 draft and signed with the team prior to the 1998-99 NBA season.
Stojakovic had a long and fruitful career, becoming a three-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA 3-Point Shootout champion, All-NBA Second Team and NBA Champion. After eight seasons in Sacramento, the Kings retired his jersey on December 16, 2014.
The Kings are hoping that Papagiannis can be the next successful player from Greece. Georgios just wants to represent his country the best way he can.
“Being the highest pick from Greece, it’s a great thing for me and I’m still 18,” said the new Kings big man. “My advice to the other Greek guys, have motivation every day when you wake up.”
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