Panathinaikos Owner Yanakopoulos Claims 2026 Roster Best Ever, Eyes Nikola Jokic Signing

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

Yanakopoulos also revealed his ambition to sign Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets star, describing him as his dream player. He admitted he made a serious offer to Denver this summer, which was promptly rejected due to Jokic's existing contract. Despite the setback, Yanakopoulos remains optimistic about pursuing Jokic next summer. He noted the challenge of fitting Jokic into a roster that already includes players like Lassour, Yabusele, and Fall.

The statements highlight Panathinaikos' aggressive summer moves and lofty goals for the upcoming EuroLeague season, signaling a highly competitive outlook for the club.