Houston Rockets: Who are Marko Todorovic, and Kostas Papanikolaou?

Marko, and Kostas

Last week the Houston Rockets acquired the draft rights to Marko Todorovic and Kostas Papanikolaou as well as two future second-round draft picks from the Portland Trail Blazers for forward Thomas Robinson.

The second round picks will come in handy in the future, but what about Marko  and Kostas? Here is breakdown and video of the new overseas Rockets.

Marko Todorovic  is a 6’11’’ center with good length. Has nice soft touch and can finish with both hands effectively when playing around the rim. In Barcelona he played only 7 minutes per game, but was able to display his talent. He is one of the best European big men in his age group. Unfortunately for Marko is that he has a thin frame, has difficulties guarding stronger centers because of his lack of strength. He is a long-term project and, and may never make it to the NBA. He recently had surgery on his finger/hand and will be out for another 4-6 months.

Here is video on Marko:

Kostas Papanikolaou is the quintessential European forward. He is left-handed, has a nice range, and what he lacks in agility/fluidity, he makes up for in determination. Thanks to his two years of experience playing at a high level in the Euroleague with Olympiacos, Papanikolaou has improved his intangibles a lot. Two years ago he was only known as a formidable shooter needing huge improvement, and now, even if it is not his main ability, he can defend against the best small forwards in Europe. He reminds some of Greek player Antonis Fotsis, who played for Memphis Grizzlies in 2001-2002 NBA season.

Compared to Marko, Kostas has a better chance of coming to the NBA, based on the video below. Either way we may never see these two in Rockets uniforms, but they could one day become a nice addition to a trade.