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Panathinaikos Blog: The “Greens” on their way to return to high standards

Paris Lee Monaco Panathinaikos

Photo: EuroLeague Basketball

After a really embarrassing 2021/22 season, Panathinaikos aims to return to the upper echelon of the EuroLeague.

Last season, the six-time EuroLeague champions finished 13th in the regular season and got swept in the Greek League Finals by Olympiacos (3-0).

In late June, club owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos made a clear statement that he wants to see the “Greens” return to their high standards.

Photo: EuroLeague Basketball

Taking into consideration the way the team has been built so far, Giannakopoulos does his best to fulfill his promise.

The “Greens” had more than half the team and staff dismissed and they started fresh. Head coach Dejan Radonjic was hired to lead the new era of Panathinaikos, after consecutive decent seasons with Crvena Zvezda.

Until now, and with the exception of Ioannis Papapetrou, who left the team after four years to sign with Partizan and work under coach Zeljko Obradovic, Panathinaikos is getting stronger and stronger.

Photo: EuroLeague Basketball

Arturas Gudaitis joined the team to assist Georgios Papagiannis in the center position, giving a new perspective both offensively and defensively. Along with experienced forward Derrick Williams, they create a much more competitive front line.

Paris Lee, who made an outstanding playoff series on both ends of the court against Olympiacos, signed a two-year contract.

Along with Marius Grigonis, whom Panathinaikos recently signed from CSKA Moscow, they are creating a very prominent backcourt duo.

Photo: EuroLeague Basketball

Lee is very creative and Grigonis is a very talented scorer. With the assistance of Andrew Andrews, Nate Wolters, Lefteris Bochoridis and newly-acquired forward Panagiotis Kalaitzakis, Panathinaikos has what it takes to be both strong and unpredictable.

Panathinaikos has been struggling for the past two years. As it seems, though, the whole organization is trying to get the team back to where it belongs.

They have the coach and personnel to go far, should they all work to the right direction. The playoffs seem a goal they can achieve and, why not, aim for higher peaks. Overall, it will be really nice to see Panathinaikos again in the European elite.

Photo: EuroLeague Basketball
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