Position: Wing

Team: Yukatel Merkezefendi

Height: 203 cm / 6’8”

Weight: 91 kg / 200lbs

Wingspan: 203 cm / 6’8”

Born: June 27, 2001

Nikos Rogkavopoulos was one of the standout performers and best NBA prospects in Europe this season. He was the leading scorer of a team that is competing in one of the best domestic leagues of Europe and played great the whole year. Rogkavopoulos also proved his game in the Greek National Team and now, the unofficial news say he is going to be a EuroLeague player starting from next season. The biggest question now is, if any of the NBA teams believe he is worth drafting in the late second round or not. We’ll see tonight.

STATS

  • Averages:

28 games, 32.3 min, 15.46 pts, 6.2 reb (1.7 off reb), 1.9 ast, 1.1 stl, 0.3 blk, ( 49% 2FG%, 35.5% 3P%, 86.5% FT%)

  • Per40:

19.1 pts, 7.6 reb (2 off reb), 2.5 ast, 1.2 stl, 0.5 blk 

  • Advanced Stats:

112.2 ORTG, 114.5 DRTG, 57.2 TS%, 5.5 OREB%, 14.5 DREB%, 10.1 REB%, 11.3 AST%, 1.8 STL%, 1.2 BLK%

STRENGTHS

  • Solid catch&shoot skills with a nice form and fast release that is hard to contest. One of the best, if not the best European 3-point threats of his generation.
  • Impressive footwork. Adjusting his steps well accordingly to the defenders and creates open looks for himself off-the ball.
  • Good anticipation and timing both on defensive and offensive rebounds.
  • Ideal pace and style for transition basketball. Initiates fast break opportunities right after grabbing rebounds, runs the floor well.
  • Underrated passer. Finds the open man in transition, feeds the cutter in half court plays. Has good court vision and likes to play as a distributor when he gets the ball in the post, punishes the help defense and double teams.
  • A good competitor and team player.
  • Flashes of athleticism and slashing abilities, doesn’t always create the easiest layup chances but can finish around the rim, draw fouls or dish out assists.
  • Still shows defensive upside as a weak side defender with deflections and anticipating passes.

IMPROVEMENT AREAS

  • Can dribble the ball and has adequate fundamental skills as a forward, struggles with that against smaller matchups and might not be comfortable against NBA players.
  • Not an efficient post scorer. When he gets the ball in the high or low post, he tends to try to create distance from his defender and shoot, often predictable even against mismatches such as small guards.
  • Lacks strength. One of the reasons why he has not been able to cause remarkable damage as a scorer in the post. On the defensive end, has a hard time standing in front of big men and powerful players.
  • Not showing considerable progress in terms of defending pick-and-rolls. Often can not get passed the screens and loses his matchup.
  • Even though his first step on offense is a plus, struggles to keep it up on the defensive end, especially against guards.
  • Shot selection and creation still needs progress. Might need to work on adding more finishing options in his bag to get better and open looks.

OUTLOOK

Nikos Rogkavopoulos has many tools that NBA teams look for while drafting young players. His ceiling as a shooter is what might attract the franchises the most, him giving his all whenever he is on the floor and making the energy and hustle plays is also encouraging for the future of Rogkavopoulos. He has to improve as a slasher and passer, also needs to develop his defense to be an NBA player. He is likely to be in the EuroLeague next season and even if he goes undrafted tonight, teams will keep monitoring his performance in the 2nd best league of the world. I would definitely consider picking him late second round because of his elite shooting skills, basketball IQ and potential physical development later.