Daniel Theis Reveals Maccabi Tel Aviv Offered Him Starting Center Role After Monaco and Villeurbanne Setbacks

Daniel Theis, the 34-year-old German center with extensive NBA experience, discussed his recent career moves in an interview with the German Braunschweiger Zeitung. After a difficult period at AS Monaco, where the team failed to pay players for three months, Theis and his teammates nearly quit due to the financial strain. He described the situation as akin to going to work without receiving a salary, which made continuing very challenging.

Following Monaco, Theis initially agreed to join Villeurbanne, a French club, influenced by Tony Parker's call and vision for extending his career with more EuroLeague play and less domestic French league time. However, the deal fell through due to budget cuts, and Theis learned about the club's issues mainly through media and teammates, noting a lack of direct communication. He expressed sympathy for Parker, who was closely associated with the troubled project.

Shortly after, Maccabi Tel Aviv contacted Theis and offered him a two-year contract as their starting center, a proposition that convinced him to join the Israeli champions. This move marks a significant chapter in Theis's career as he transitions from European league uncertainties to a leading role in Israel's top basketball team.