Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens brought back one of the most important figures in club history on Tuesday, announcing that Dimitris Diamantidis has returned to the organization.
“Dimitris Diamantidis has returned home,” Panathinaikos said in its statement, highlighting the return of a player who defined an era for the club. The organization added that Diamantidis will not have a specific title immediately, with his exact role expected to be determined over time.
“I’m truly happy to return to Panathinaikos because I feel like I’m coming back home!” Diamantidis said after finalizing his return. “It is very important for me that I will work with coach Obradovic again and, in general, with people I know very well and respect immensely. That made my decision easier.”
The move marks another significant step in Panathinaikos’ offseason transition after a 2025-26 campaign that ended with a 22-16 EuroLeague regular-season record and a playoff appearance. The Greek giants were eliminated by Valencia in five games.
The club has already moved on from head coach Ergin Ataman, Marius Grigonis, Kenneth Faried and T.J. Shorts while adding Zeljko Obradovic and Moustapha Fall.
Diamantidis’ return provides the club with one of its most recognizable leaders as Panathinaikos enters a new era. The 46-year-old spent 12 seasons with the team from 2004 through 2016, winning 22 titles and becoming one of the most decorated players in European basketball history. He later returned to the organization in an administrative role from 2020 to 2022.
The reunion also brings Diamantidis back together with Obradovic, who coached Panathinaikos during the most successful period in the club’s history. The Serbian coach was recently appointed to lead the team through 2029, while Diamantidis cited their previous relationship as an important factor in his decision.
“I met with Mr. Giannakopoulos and within a few minutes we shook hands. We didn’t need many words,” Diamantidis said after meeting with Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos. “The titles do not matter. We will figure out the details along the way. What matters is that we all work for the team we love and achieve our goals.”
The roster remains built around several established contributors. Kendrick Nunn led Panathinaikos with 18.2 points per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 38.0% from three-point range. Cedi Osman averaged 12.9 points and 3.5 rebounds, while Nigel Hayes-Davis contributed 14.1 points in 16 EuroLeague appearances after joining the team during the season.
“I’m extremely happy to be back at Panathinaikos,” Diamantidis said. “I feel like I have returned home.”
