“Man, what are we doing? Am I the only one who thinks this is insane?”
If Partizan fans weren’t worried before, many certainly were after Carlik Jones posted those words.
So what exactly was he referring to?
So far this offseason, Partizan have parted ways with eight players.
Officially, not a single signing has been announced.
A Summer of Uncertainty
Last season pushed Partizan to the brink.
Things became so turbulent that, for a brief period after Željko Obradović’s departure, parts of the fanbase even turned against the team.
Replacing players is only part of the challenge.
Rebuilding the club’s reputation may be even more important.
Players want to join clubs where they feel stability, trust and direction.
That is why extending Carlik Jones’ contract was such an important first step.
Since then, the questions have only multiplied.
Isaac Bonga was always going to be difficult to keep. Once Panathinaikos activated his buyout clause, there was little Partizan could do. Obradović added one of the EuroLeague’s most versatile and reliable players.
Sterling Brown also chose a fresh start. His concentration could fluctuate, but when everything around him functioned properly, he proved he could be a high-level EuroLeague player. Judging by some of his comments during last season, the events of last year clearly affected him. Žalgiris offered a new beginning.
Duane Washington was actually the first to announce his departure, telling reporters immediately after the ABA League Finals against Dubai. He leaves with a sense of unfinished business. Like Brown, he probably needed a different environment. His scoring ability has never been questioned. His consistency and rationale has.
Dylan Osetkowski divided opinion from the day he arrived. Some fans never warmed to the signing, especially since Obradović revealed that Osetkowski was signed without his knowledge. Under Joan Peñarroya, however, he rediscovered his best basketball.
Nick Calathes enjoyed an unexpected revival in Belgrade, but eventually decided to return home.
According to Sport Klub, Partizan paid $100,000 simply to move on from Shake Milton‘s $1.6 million salary. Everyone inside the club praised his professionalism and work ethic, but injuries and a slow adjustment to European basketball prevented him from meeting expectations.
Aleksa Radanov also departed, as did Bruno Fernando. Unlike many of his teammates, Fernando actually leaves Belgrade with his reputation enhanced. He finally found consistent minutes, became more reliable and earned a move to Anadolu Efes.
The result?
Too many “Thank you” posts.
Not nearly enough “Welcome” ones.
The Waiting Game
Does that necessarily mean Partizan has done nothing?
Not really.
Before the 2023-24 season, several signings were essentially an open secret for weeks before the club officially unveiled them all together at a well-executed launch event.
This offseason is different.
Given everything that happened last season – and especially after Carlik Jones publicly voiced what many supporters were already thinking – Partizan can hardly afford weeks of silence.
At the moment, the players under contract are Carlik Jones, Tonye Jekiri, Mario Nakić, Mitar Bošnjaković, Aleksej Pokuševski, Arijan Lakić, Joffrey Lauvergne, Jabari Parker and Uroš Mijailović. That doesn’t mean Joan Peñarroya is counting on all of them.
Parker is not expected to remain with the team next season. Aleksej Pokuševski’s future is also uncertain, while talented youngster Mitar Bošnjaković could leave for college basketball in the United States.
Lauvergne’s value now lies as much in the locker room as it does on the court. Vanja Marinković is still recovering from a serious injury, which realistically leaves Jones, Jekiri and Lakić as the only returning rotation players whose roles are already secure.
Time for Answers
Several arrivals are reportedly already agreed.
Nikola Tanasković is expected to join from Budućnost, while elite rim proterctor Kevarrius Hayes, sharpshooter Kyle Allman and former Paris forward Derek Willis have all been heavily linked with the club.
Even if all four arrive, the roster will still require further additions.
The fans are growing impatient.
“Will the equipment manager at least stay?” one supporter joked on social media.
The joke reflects something real.
Right now, Partizan doesn’t simply need new players.
It needs momentum.
One major signing – and one official “Welcome” – could quickly change the mood around the club.