Calathes reveals Olympiacos interest and what distanced him from Jasikevicius / News - Basketnews.com

Nick Calathes said Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, among other teams, were interested in him last summer but he chose Fenerbahce for a better chance of winning the EuroLeague.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-Scanpix

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul playmaker Nick Calathes sat down with Antonis Kalkavouras of Gazzetta.gr to talk about many topics in an extensive interview.

Nick Calathes

Team:Fenerbahce Beko IstanbulPosition:PGAge:33Height:198 cmWeight:97 kgBirth place:United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

Calathes switched EuroLeague powerhouses last off-season when he transferred from FC Barcelona to the yellow Istanbul side. According to reports in the summer of 2022, Fenerbahce were fighting with former Calathes' club -- Panathinaikos Athens -- for his signature.

Calathes himself confirmed such information in the recent conversation with Gazzetta.gr.

"From what my agent told me, yes [Panathinaikos wanted me]," the Greek player responded to a question about the summer saga and then explained why he chose Fener.

"At this point in my career, I thought that I would have a better chance of winning the EuroLeague with Fenerbahce. With all due respect to the Panathinaikos organization and Dimitris Giannakopoulos. I will never forget that the 'Green family' had a major role in forming me as the player I've become and the career I've had."

Antonis Kalkavouras also asked Calathes about Olympiacos Piraeus' involvement in the transfer market. Calathes revealed the Reds were also after him in the previous summer.

"As far as I know, yes! Along with some other European teams. But the presence of Dimitris Itoudis and the overall plan of Fenerbahce brought me to Istanbul."

"I like Vezenkov very much. He is a great player who has to offer in many areas. But the good thing about Olympiacos is that their game does not depend only on one player. They have many players who can make a difference in the game," Calathes answered when he was asked to name Olympiacos' strengths.

Then the 33-year-old EuroLeague veteran commented on the situation with Sarunas Jasikevicius at Barca. Former teammates' and friends' connection deteriorated at the end of the last season when the Catalans faced a difficult period of time.

Nick Calathes

MIN:26.35PTS:9.29 (49.58%)REB:4.79As:5.71ST:1.36BL:0.07TO:2.86GM:14ProfileEuroLeague2022/2023

"I'm not 20 years old, I know how to play," Calathes said of Saras' system in early October following his transfer to Turkey.

"I wouldn't say it was difficult to work with him. We were getting along just fine," Calathes now recalls the experience. "The sweet spoiled when we didn't win last year in the EuroLeague and ACB.

"Everything happens for a reason, especially in professional sports. The defeats probably pushed us away. I hold no grudge against him, but…" Calathes did not finish the sentence.

The other part of the interview touched on international basketball and the Greek national team.

Calathes recalled the FIBA EuroBasket 2022 experience and evaluated the upcoming challenges: FIBA World Cup 2023 and Paris Olympic Games.

"I think that the company and atmosphere are the two elements that give momentum to the national teams. Of all my years on the Greek NT, last summer was probably the best in terms of the atmosphere on the squad. We had a great time at the hotel, often went out together, and generally bonded a lot. And that's why we were so annoyed by our elimination in the quarterfinals. So we are all looking forward to the World Cup!"

Last but not least, Calathes had a special thanks to his teammate on the Greek NT, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Milwaukee Bucks superstar gifted Calathes' son -- Luke -- a pair of his shoes after the NBA game a few weeks ago.

"Giannis didn't just make his day, but his entire life! I had written to Giannis and Thanasis that my son would be in the front seats so that they could go and greet him if they could. Giannis then replied that he would give him his shoes. Okay, I freaked out because I knew how much Luke loves him so I automatically knew what was going to happen next.

Since then, the little one has been talking to his friends about it all the time. It is incredible the way Giannis knows how to spread smiles and make children happy," Calathes praised his countryman.

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