Panathinaikos has officially entered the second Željko Obradović era, a development that has sparked excitement not only among the club’s fans and the entire organization, but across the European basketball landscape as well. With the coaching situation resolved in spectacular fashion, the Greens can now turn their full attention to the transfer market.
One thing is certain: this will be a busy summer in Athens. Panathinaikos’ roster planning is expected to be highly targeted, as the team’s needs in specific positions have become evident, and Obradović himself has already identified them. The club is also preparing for another significant increase in its budget, reportedly around €10 million, as it looks to return to the top on every level.
The Big Man Situation
The safest assumption at this stage is that Panathinaikos will move aggressively for a high-level center. The profile is clear: a dominant presence in the paint on both ends of the floor, capable of sharing minutes with Matias Lessort and forming one of the strongest frontcourts in Europe.
Last season exposed the team’s lack of depth at the five spot, particularly after the departures of Omer Yurtseven and Richaun Holmes. Kenneth Faried’s exit has created another vacancy in the rotation, making the addition of at least one quality center a top priority.
A second center could also arrive, although that role would likely be more limited, similar to what Faried provided last season or what Kostas Antetokounmpo offered in previous years. For now, no concrete targets have emerged publicly, as Panathinaikos remains focused on securing the player who will complement Lessort.
Replacing TJ Shorts
TJ Shorts is expected to leave Panathinaikos in the near future and join Valencia, creating a significant opening in the backcourt. While his stint in Athens did not fully meet expectations, replacing a player of his caliber will still require a major signing.
One of the names linked with the club is Brancou Badio. Panathinaikos is searching for a versatile guard who can score, defend and impact the game in multiple ways. Players who combine those qualities are difficult to find, which means the club may have to invest heavily or even negotiate a buyout to secure the right fit.
The Forward Question
Reports from Serbia have linked Panathinaikos with Trey Lyles, who impressed this season with Real Madrid. However, his natural position is at forward, an area where Obradović already has plenty of options at his disposal.
Isaac Bonga is another name that has surfaced in recent weeks. The German international, who has also been linked to Olympiacos in the past, is regarded as one of the most reliable two-way forwards in Europe. Sources indicate that Panathinaikos is monitoring his situation closely, making him a player worth watching during the coming weeks.
That said, if Panathinaikos ultimately decides to add another forward, it will likely be a major signing. The position is already crowded with Cedi Osman, Nigel Hayes-Davis, Juancho Hernangómez, Nikos Rogkavopoulos and Dinos Mitoglou on the roster. Any addition there could lead to adjustments in rotations and playing time, particularly for versatile players such as Mitoglou and Osman, who can cover multiple positions.
