Panathinaikos Owner Yanakopoulos Claims Best Roster Ever, Eyes Nikola Jokic Signing

Dimitris Yanakopoulos, owner of Panathinaikos basketball club, has declared that his current team roster is the best ever assembled, comparing it only to Pini Gershon's Maccabi Tel Aviv squad. Speaking in an interview with Euro Insiders on August 10, 2026, Yanakopoulos expressed high expectations for the 2026/2027 season, saying the team could excite fans and create something extraordinary. He acknowledged the importance of luck, especially in the Final Four format, and suggested that a seven-game series would be a fairer way to decide the championship.

Yanakopoulos also revealed his ambition to sign NBA star Nikola Jokic, calling him his "dream" player. He admitted to making a serious offer to Jokic's current team, the Denver Nuggets, which was promptly rejected. Despite this, Yanakopoulos remains optimistic about pursuing Jokic next summer. He highlighted the challenge of fitting Jokic into a roster that already includes players like Laso, Yabusele, and Fall.

The Panathinaikos owner’s bold statements underline his commitment to building a championship-contending team and his willingness to make significant moves in the transfer market. The upcoming season will test whether his confidence and investments translate into success on the court.