Panathinaikos Transfers for 2024/25 – How Will PAO Look in the New Euroleague Season?

Some love him, others can’t stand him. Yet, the coach of reigning champions Panathinaikos, Ergin Ataman, undoubtedly knows how to become a Euroleague champion. Last season, he managed to repeat his success with the Greens, a feat he had previously achieved twice with Efes. After leading Efes to two consecutive titles in 2021 and 2022, the Turkish strategist moved to Greece with the mission to “resurrect” the dormant PAO, a team that finished 17th in the 2022/23 season. Our basketball analyst, Djordje C., brings you the most exciting Panathinaikos Transfers for the 2024/25 season!

Just one year later, Ataman brought the Greens their seventh Euroleague trophy.

Will he succeed once again in defending the title, and how will Panathinaikos look this season?

In this article:

• Mental Stability That Delivered Two Titles in the 2023/24 Season
• Panathinaikos transfers for 2024/25 Season
• Contract Extensions
• Preseason Form – Analysis of Friendly Matches
• Expectations for the 2024/25 Season
• Safer GAMBLING

Stability That Delivered Two Titles in the 2023/24 Season

The road to success wasn’t “smooth,” but Panathinaikos’ mental stability was crucial for winning titles in the 2023/24 season. The Greens started the season with a completely rebuilt team and quickly encountered problems. The EuroLeague season began with a 2-4 record, raising serious doubts among fans. However, four consecutive wins lifted them to 6-4, followed by three straight losses that brought them back to 6-7, revealing the team’s lack of consistency.

A noticeable upswing began in round 14, as Ataman’s “magic” started to shine. Panathinaikos won eight of their next nine games, climbing to 14-8, which significantly boosted the team’s confidence. Ataman consistently told fans they could already book their tickets for the Final Four in Berlin.

One of the key factors in Ataman’s success with Panathinaikos was their impressive home form, winning nine consecutive games at the OAKA arena. Even on the road, the Greens became the first team to defeat Real Madrid at WiZink Center in the 2023/24 season, winning 86-97 in round 27. They also secured a crucial victory over Virtus Segafredo Bologna, 79-81, in round 32, thanks to Kendrick Nunn’s game-winning shot, securing a second-place finish in the EuroLeague.

Their mental toughness was most evident in critical moments during the season. In the EuroLeague, Panathinaikos were trailing 2-1 against Maccabi Tel Aviv but fought back to win 3-2 and advance.

Similarly, in the Greek League finals against arch-rivals Olympiacos, the Greens were down 2-0 in the series. Many had written them off, but the team believed in themselves and turned the series around, winning 3-2 and claiming the title after three years. Continue reading to find the detailed analysis of all Panathinaikos transfers for 2024/25!

Panathinaikos transfers for the 2024/25 Season

Panathinaikos took the transfer window seriously in preparation for the 2024/25 season, signing several key players to help the team remain competitive in the EuroLeague. Each addition brings specific qualities and experience, and here’s our analysis of all the Panathinaikos transfers for 2024/25:

Cedi Osman | 201 cm | Forward

The arrival of Cedi Osman is arguably the most significant Panathinaikos transfer for 2024/25, not only due to his quality but also because of his excellent relationship with coach Ergin Ataman. Their collaboration in the Turkish national team earned Osman a crucial role in Ataman’s plans, and this trust will now be even more prominent in the green jersey. Osman can play both forward positions and stretch the floor as a stretch four.

His outside shooting and transition game fit perfectly with Ataman’s offensive style. Although his NBA stats last season were modest (6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds), Osman’s return to Europe is likely to re-establish him as one of the EuroLeague’s top players. His experience in the world’s strongest basketball league and versatility on both ends of the court make him a key factor for Panathinaikos in their pursuit of trophies this upcoming season.

Omer Yurtseven | 211 cm | Center

Omer Yurtseven brings the necessary height and strength to the paint. After spending three years in the NBA, playing for the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz, Yurtseven returns to Europe to solidify Panathinaikos’ center position. His 211 cm height makes him a dominant rebounder. Though his NBA stats were modest last season (4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game), his potential for development in the Euroleague is immense.

Yurtseven is known for his mobility and ability to defend pick-and-roll situations effectively. His ability to stretch the floor with mid-range shooting provides additional offensive options, especially when paired with veteran playmaker Sloukas.

Lorenzo Brown | 196 cm | Guard

Another crucial Panathinaikos transfer for 2025/25 is Lorenzo Brown! His arrival further strengthens Panathinaikos’ backcourt. With a wealth of Euroleague experience, Brown offers security in-game organization and the ability to take responsibility in key moments. His impressive performance in last season’s final stages, where he averaged 17.2 points and 5.8 assists per game in the series against Panathinaikos, was enough to convince the Greens’ management to sign him to a three-year contract.

Brown can create shots for himself and his teammates. While not a prolific three-point shooter, his EuroLeague percentages have been solid. Additionally, Brown has shown that he can take on a leadership role on the court, and his composure in crunch time makes him a valuable asset for Ataman’s team. His playmaking will enable flexibility on offense and quick transitions, a hallmark of Ataman’s teams.

Considering these additions, Panathinaikos has increased their quality both in the paint and on the perimeter – creating a team capable of competing for top honors in the EuroLeague. Ataman’s long tenure and proven success in European basketball, combined with the talent and experience of players like Osman, Yurtseven, and Brown, give Panathinaikos a realistic chance of reaching the pinnacle of European basketball once again.

Contract Extensions

Panathinaikos made a significant step toward long-term stability by extending several key contracts.

Firstly, coach Ergin Ataman extended his contract with the club until 2027, ensuring continuity and strategy in team management. Ataman’s ability to instill a championship mentality in his players has already delivered results, and his continued presence guarantees further battles for the top of European basketball and many new trophies.

In addition to Ataman, Marius Grigonis, one of the team’s most reliable players, also extended his contract until 2027. His versatility and contributions on both ends of the floor will be crucial for Panathinaikos in the coming years.

Jerian Grant signed a new contract with Panathinaikos until 2026. Grant, one of the team’s key defensive players last season, earned the club’s trust with his energetic approach and quick reactions on both ends of the court. His ability to shut down the opposition’s best guards was often decisive in crucial matches.

Preseason Form – Analysis of Friendly Matches

Although Panathinaikos recorded several victories in their preseason matches, the results showed fluctuations in form that concerned both fans and the coaching staff. In tournaments in Slovenia and Cyprus, the team achieved wins against Cedevita Olimpija (81-76), Anadolu Efes (83-72), and Bayern (86-69), displaying solid play but also significant lapses. However, losses to Maccabi (75-88) and Partizan (64-75) highlighted several shortcomings, particularly in defense and offensive consistency.

The most concerning result was a heavy defeat in a friendly match against Anadolu Efes in Istanbul (75-90), where Panathinaikos exhibited major defensive weaknesses, allowing their opponent to take control at crucial moments.

While these were only preseason games, it is clear the team has plenty of room for improvement, especially in terms of integrating new players and balancing the playing time of veterans.

Expectations for the 2024/25 Season

After winning the Euroleague and Greek championship in the 2023/24 season, Panathinaikos enters the new season with even greater ambitions.

Panathinaikos’ transfers for 2024/25 have strengthened their roster with new players, enhancing key areas such as offensive creativity, defensive toughness, and dominance in the paint. With coach Ataman, who extended his contract until 2027, the club has a long-term vision that includes not only defending titles but also setting new standards in European basketball.

The success of last season, which saw victories against Real Madrid on the road and comeback wins against Maccabi in the EuroLeague and Olympiacos in the Greek championship, has raised expectations even higher for the upcoming season.

With Ataman’s winner’s mentality, PAO is expected to maintain a winning streak at home and compete for the top spots in the EuroLeague, aiming to confirm their status from the previous season.

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