PAOK entered the season with high ambitions after assembling a new roster over the summer, but Cedi Osman’s injury has already forced the club to reconsider its plans in early November. Osman, one of the key players in Andrea Trinchieri’s system, is set to undergo knee surgery, and Greek media are already reporting on potential reinforcements for the Thessaloniki club.
Osman experienced discomfort in his right knee following PAOK’s 113-111 EuroCup victory over Roma. An MRI performed the following day revealed a torn meniscus, meaning the 31-year-old forward will require arthroscopic surgery.
The club has confirmed the diagnosis and announced that the procedure will take place in the coming days, although it has yet to provide a timetable for Osman’s return. Two possible scenarios have been discussed: an absence of four to eight weeks or a significantly longer recovery period of four to six months, depending on the type of surgery required. A more precise prognosis will be available after the operation. In the shorter scenario, Trinchieri would have to find a way to manage without his leading scorer for several weeks. The second would leave PAOK without a player central to its offense until nearly the end of the season.
PAOK Is Losing the EuroCup’s Leading Scorer
Osman has averaged 22.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in EuroCup play this season, along with a performance index rating of 24.7. Those numbers put him at the top of the competition in both scoring and PIR. In four Greek league appearances, he has averaged 19 points, 2.8 rebounds and two assists.
Against Roma, he scored 25 points, made three 3-pointers and went a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line. PAOK secured the victory on a late basket by Ben Moore, while the teams’ combined 224 points set a EuroCup record for a game decided in regulation. PAOK is 4-2 through six EuroCup rounds and has won all five of its domestic league games. Osman has played a major role in that start, and his absence will be felt particularly at small forward.
With the Turkish international sidelined, captain Nikos Persidis is the team’s only natural small forward. Trinchieri could use Nikos Chougkaz at the position or go with a smaller lineup featuring Marcus Foster, but either option would require adjustments to the rotation assembled over the summer.
PAOK had already been considering additional roster upgrades before Osman’s injury, particularly at point guard. The club’s willingness to spend significant money on reinforcements became clear in the recent reports involving Chris Jones. Greek media outlet SDNA reported that PAOK was interested in the Crvena Zvezda point guard and prepared to offer him a contract worth as much as €3 million annually. However, according to Mozzart Sport’s information, no formal offer was submitted. There was preliminary contact, but Zvezda made it clear that Jones was not available for transfer.
The American point guard plays a central role in Ibon Navarro’s team. Through his first nine EuroLeague games, Jones averaged 5.9 assists, recording 53 assists against just 10 turnovers. Losing him midway through the season would leave a significant gap in Zvezda’s offense.
Osman’s Injury Could Change PAOK’s Priorities on the Market
After its unsuccessful attempt to acquire Jones, PAOK may now have to reconsider its priorities following Osman’s injury, deciding whether to continue looking for a point guard or target a player who can replace the lost scoring production and take on greater offensive responsibility.
Among the names Greek media have linked with PAOK is Kevin Porter Jr., who has already played for the Thessaloniki club. Another possibility is Tyler Dorsey, although any potential move would depend on how his situation at Olympiacos develops.
Osman’s injury could accelerate a move for Dorsey, although Olympiacos is reportedly seeking a buyout fee of several million euros to release him from his contract. Dorsey is said to be interested in moving to Thessaloniki, while PAOK could be more willing to meet Olympiacos’ financial demands. There has also been talk of a potential contract worth around $4 million annually.
Neither Dorsey nor Porter plays the same position as Osman. Dorsey would give PAOK another scorer in the backcourt, but the shortage of natural wings would remain an issue. As for Porter, Sportime reports that the American guard is not currently considering a return to Europe.
Greek basketball reports have also mentioned the possibility of recalling Leland Walker early from his loan spell at Cluj. Walker remains under contract with PAOK, and bringing him back could provide additional backcourt depth without signing a new player from the market.
Everything Depends on the Length of Osman’s Recovery
There has been no confirmation that PAOK has reached an agreement with any of the players mentioned. The length of Osman’s recovery will also influence the club’s decision, as a prolonged absence would call for a different solution than one lasting only a few weeks.
Until the question of potential reinforcements is resolved, Trinchieri will have to adjust his rotation with the players already available. Despite its excellent start to the season, PAOK now has significantly fewer options at small forward and must adjust without the EuroCup’s leading scorer.