All eyes were on Panathinaikos Athens in the off-season market, as the Greens signed two-time EuroLeague-winning coach Ergin Ataman and as many as 12 new players to make sure it breaks with its recent past. Panathinaikos has not reached the Final Four since 2011, and its last playoffs appearance 2019. Last season, Panathinaikos ranked 17th overall with a 9-23 record.
Sloukas, new floor general
Kostas Sloukas switched sports archrivals, joining Panathinaikos from Olympiacos Piraeus on a multi-year deal. Right at the prime of his career, Sloukas is an elite floor general, able to put the ball in the right hands, dominate the game tempo and hit clutch shots. Last season's BKT EuroCup MVP Jerian Grant offers athleticism, driving skills and court sense as Sloukas's backup. Kyle Guy and Marius Grigonis are set to provide the fireworks from downtown.
Rounding a deep perimeter, Luca Vildoza is a combo guard with unlimited range and outstanding passing skills. Panagiotis Kalaitzakis and Dimitris Moraitis give Coach Ataman even more options at both wings. Ioannis Papapatrou starts a second stint with the Greens and should be his team's statrting small forward. His character, versatility and experience should make him a key player in this roster.
Lessort leads the Greens' frontcourt
Mathias Lessort made it to the All-EuroLeague First Team last season and is set to keep rolling. His connection with Panathinaikos fans should be a topic to follow this season. His hustle, rebounding skills and intensity make him unguardable at times. Aleksander Balcerowski and Kostas Antetokounmpo give Ataman many choices at center. Both of them can play way above the rim, and Balcerowski can stretch the floor with his long-distance shots.
Juancho Hernangomez is the ice on the cake, a do-it-all forward able to play hard defense, rebound, hit three-pointers and run the floor like a guard. Dinos Mitoglou is back to help at both frontcourt positions. His post skills and hustle under the boards should make him earn playing time. Eleftherios Mantzoukas and Alexandros Samontourov add plenty of versatility to a roster built to succeed. It may take some time for the team to gel, but Panathinaikos should be considered one of the teams to beat in EuroLeague this season.