Zeljko Obradovic has been officially appointed to coach Panathinaikos next season, returning to the Greek club on a three-year deal worth 10.5 million euros. The team is also expected to bring back two club legends as assistants, Mike Batiste and Dimitris Diamantidis.
The most urgent roster issue is at center. Rishon Holmes and Omer Yurtseven were released during the season, Kenneth Faried’s contract is ending and he is not expected to stay, and Panathinaikos is looking for a proven European big man after those moves did not work out. Jonas Valanciunas was a major target last summer, but he remains under guaranteed contract with Denver for another season at 10 million dollars, and a buyout could become an option after he averaged only 13.4 minutes per game. Daniel Theis is seen as the strongest EuroLeague center on the market and is expected to sign with ASVEL, while Nikola Vucevic, Jusuf Nurkic and Bismack Biyombo are also potential options.
Obradovic is also seeking reinforcements at forward. Trey Lyles of Real Madrid has been mentioned, and Isaac Bonga is another key name after playing for Obradovic at Partizan Belgrade. Bonga is drawing NBA interest and is under contract with Partizan for one more season, but if he does not stay in the NBA he could join one of EuroLeague’s top clubs.
Faried is the only Panathinaikos player whose contract is expiring, and TJ Shorts is also unlikely to remain after one season as a reserve, with Valencia said to be his likely next stop. Obradovic’s formal appointment is expected to speed up negotiations, and the club may also add another guard alongside Kendrick Nunn and Kostas Sloukas. Nigel Hayes-Davis, who signed midseason, and Mathias Lessort, returning from a long injury, are both expected to be ready for training camp.
