Panathinaikos has admittedly shown interest in Omer Yurtseven, who hasn’t found a deal in the NBA so far. The Turkish center remains a free agent, and the EuroLeague reigning champions are expected to make him an offer, as reported by SDNA.
With Yurtseven, Panathinaikos is hoping to upgrade its rotation in the center position during the 2024–25 season. Previously, NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that the New York Knicks, who are in search of a backup big, could not come to an agreement with the Turkish international.
The former Heat big spent the past season with the Utah Jazz. He played for the Heat during the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons.
He has made more than 100 appearances in the NBA, including 24 starts. Last season, the Turkish international averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds for 11.6 points.
What does Yurtseven offer to Panathinaikos if he decides to move to the Greek giants?
Yurtseven will make his EuroLeague debut if he decides to agree terms with Panathinaikos. The Turkish center is coming off playing a limited role in the NBA, and he would want to prove himself. The Georgetown product is an excellent offensive player with a masterful touch around the rim.
He can shoot the open three occasionally, and he’s great at overpowering his opponents and scoring around the rim. Yurtseven will be the different type of big, Panathinaikos head coach Ergin Ataman would want behind Mathias Lessort.
If Yurtseven moves to the Greens, it’s almost certain that Olek Balcerowski’s future is not with the EuroLeague champions. The Greek giants have already added Lorenzo Brown to bolster their backcourt, and they are hoping to sign Yurtseven to conclude their moves for the summer.
