Dimitris Giannakopoulos opens up on negotiations with Vezenkov in 2020 / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Vangelis Stolis, Hellenic Basketball Federation Credit Vangelis Stolis, Hellenic Basketball Federation

In the summer of 2020, Sasha Vezenkov was still a member of Olympiacos Piraeus but he was being pursued by several EuroLeague teams.

Aleksandr Vezenkov

Team:Olympiakos PiraeusBulgariaPosition:SF, PFAge:26Height:206 cmWeight:102 kgBirth place:Nicosia, Côte d'IvoireProfileNewsStatistics

At the time, Anadolu Efes Istanbul and Panathinaikos OPAP Athens were reported as the two main clubs that are seeking to get the player's services for the 2020-21 season. His stats were nothing remarkable back then - 7.1 points and 2 rebounds for 6.9 PIR in 26 EuroLeague games on average.

Despite the interest, Vezenkov decided to renew his contract with Olympiacos. The move was an astounding success as the 2020-21 season marked a breakout for the Bulgarian forward.

Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos held an Instagram Q&A session recently where one of the questions from fans was about that time when the club tried to acquire Vezenkov. The reason, according to the businessman, was not from the player's side.

"One of the best athletes," Giannakopoulos answered about Vezenkov. "Unfortunately, his agent at the time believed that they don't fit in the same team as [Konstantinos] Mitoglou."

After Panathinaikos came in 13th place in the EuroLeague and lost the Greek League final to Olympiacos, the Greek businessman came back to the club this offseason to help the team regain its glory after having distanced himself from management for the previous two years.

"I have not said about any return," he commented in the Q&A. "Yes, the team is for sale. Until then, however, the picture must be different from that of the last two years. Basketball seems to be changing radically and it's worth reinvesting."

The team has overgone a complete roster renewal so far. Panathinaikos have signed Paris Lee, Nate Wolters, Andrew Andrews, brothers Panagiotis Kalaitzakis and Georgios Kalaitzakis, Marius Grigonis, Derrick Williams, and Arturas Gudaitis, while at the same time parting ways with team captain Ioannis Papapetrou.

Following the additions, Giannakopoulos was asked to rate the team's offseason. "Opinion only when it's done," he noted. "They're doing well so far."

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