By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Just hours after his arrival in Athens, George Papagiannis is officially a member of Panathinaikos.
The 21 years old center who spend the last two seasons in the NBA with the Kings and the Blazers, signed a five-year deal that includes an NBA opt-out clause after the third year.
However, it’s obvious after his first NBA experience that for the near future his career can be built on the highest European level.
Due to his physical abilities, Papagiannis is expected to be an asset for Panathinaikos and due to the limitations for foreign players in the Greek league, his presence is more than valuable for the Greek champions. Papagiannis is already a member of the Greek national team and has won two Greek cups before leaving Panathinaikos for the NBA.