Panathinaikos is reportedly still in the market for a backup center and head coach Ergin Ataman revealed the Green’s interest in an NBA player.
Omer Yurtseven is a free agent after an underwhelming season with the Utah Jazz. Yurtseven who played also for the Miami Heat remains a free agent and several teams are interested in the Turkish international.
As Ataman revealed in an interview with Özgür Koç from Ajansspor, the Greens have the former Jazz big on their radar.
“We have been considering this player since recently. Omer Yurtseven has left the NBA and he has been offered to us. “Omer is a very good player, and I like him. I think he will do very well in Europe.”
Ataman also noted that Yurtseven moving to Europe could help his bid for a return to the Turkish national team. Ataman has been appointed as the coach of Turkey NT during the last three years.
“Acquiring a very important player like Omer will give us a lot of strength, at least on paper. Of course, we’re thinking about how this move will play out on the court, so he’s definitely on our radar.”
“If we participate in the EuroBasket next season, he will be one of the most essential players for our national team. That’s why I want him to come and play in Europe,” said Ataman.
Panathinaikos retained Olek Balcerowski in its roster ahead of the 2024-25 season and they still have Kostas Antetokounmpo in the backup position behind Mathias Lessort.
Does a move for Yurtseven makes sense for Panathinaikos?
Panathinaikos has been searching for a backup center upgrade since the last season. The “Greens” managed to win the EuroLeague with Lessort playing heavy minutes in the competition.
The Greek giants are hoping for a repeat and that’s the reason they kept most of their roster intact from past season adding only Lorenzo Brown who replaced Luca Vildoza.
In any case, with several contending teams improving their frontline this season, Panathinaikos will have to look for an upgrade and Yurtseven is certainly one over Balcerowski and Antetokounmpo.
The Turkish giant is 2.11 meters tall and has played in 113 NBA games. He has career averages of 5.0 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Last season, he put up 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in 48 games.
