Panathinaikos: Waiting for Papagianni, “elusive” Hernangometh and patience for guards

THE Panathinaikos he is gradually filling in the puzzle for the new season’s roster by making careful moves. THE Ergin Ataman has made his recommendations and Dimitris Giannakopoulos has decided to dig deep into his pocket to satisfy them.

The “greens” need one more piece to close the “5” position after their additions Lessor and K. Antetokounmpo. THE George Papagiannis he remains a priority, as the Turkish coach wants him in the team, but he also has the advantage of not taking a foreigner’s place. The 26-year-old center remains in the USA for training, he has a proposal from Fenerbahce in his hands and will soon make a decision, with the chances of staying in the “cloverleaf” quite good.

If Papagiannis does not continue, then he will be acquired another foreign player in “5”. Beyond him Sertak Sanli, who has been proposed as he leaves Barcelona and had his best seasons under Ataman in Efes, the “greens” are also looking at the NBA. However, his case Willie Hernangomethwho stayed released by the Pelicans who did not activate the $2.6 million option, it does not seem realistic. The 29-year-old center, MVP of the last Eurobasket with Spain, after seven seasons in the NBA is said to be willing to exhaust the chances of finding a good contract in the USA and does not seem to be thinking about a return to Europe, at least at this stage.

As for the pivotal transfers of the guards, where 2-3 more additions are expected, a wait is required. Panathinaikos has him in the foreground Tyler Dorsey, for the additional reason of the Greek passport, however the case is not simple at all. If the 27-year-old ace has a high contract in force with Fenerbahçe and only if he remains free, the “cloverleaf” will rush to take him. However, Ergin Ataman’s bad relations with Fener aren’t exactly… an ally for such a development.

The “greens” due to the limited options of guards in the market are also obliged to wait for the developments in the NBA. Free agency opens in the early hours of Saturday and from the dominoes there will arise several interesting cases of players for the region. Panathinaikos is willing to pay well for players who will not find the money or the role they are looking for in the NBA, although the truth is that they would prefer some more proven solutions from the Euroleague. These-however-are minimal and several of his targets are bound by contracts. As for example the Nikos Laprovitolawho preferred to stay in Barcelona, ​​or o Jordan Lloyd who lives in Monaco.