Ergin Ataman: Panathinaikos are seeking to add 2 more players

Panathinaikos Athens made a strong comeback after enduring two consecutive EuroLeague losses in the double-round week. They secured a victory against an injury-hit Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on Friday night.

Post-game, PAO head coach Ergin Ataman spoke to the media, emphasizing the urgent requirement for reinforcements following Ioannis Papapetrou’s left knee surgery.

Unfortunately, the Greek forward is ruled out for the remainder of 2023, with expectations for his return to action in the initial months of 2024.

“Unfortunately, Ioannis Papapetrou’s surgery was a big surprise for us because this guy played all season last year in Partizan,” Ataman said in the press conference. “He played all the games in the World Cup. But suddenly, he gets this injury and decides to have surgery.

“I am upset about these situations. There is a reality that we need two players. We are searching on the market. We need one small forward, and we need one more ball handler to help Kostas Sloukas in the 1-2 positions. This is our reality.

“I am upset about these situations. There is a reality that we need two players. We are searching on the market. We need one small forward, and we need one more ball handler to help Kostas Sloukas in the 1-2 positions. This is our reality.

“Right now, we are on the market, we are searching. This is a new team. We will make adjustments with some new players. Maybe we needed one player, but after the surgery of Papapetrou, we need two players to have a balance.

“I cannot play with Juancho Hernangomez on the three [small forward position]. First, he must understand how to play in his role [power forward position] well at this level.”