Georgios Bartzokas confirms Olympiacos look for a new player / News - Basketnews.com

Georgios Bartzokas revealed Olympiacos are interested in making a new signing but it will happen only when the club identifies the right player.

Credit: Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS Credit Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS

Olympiacos Piraeus head coach Georgios Bartzokas revealed that the Greek powerhouse is looking to make another signing.

2-pointers this season

54%18,8Points made:18,8Accuracy:54,1%Place in standings:14Record max:22Record min:14Most made 2FGs:Nikola MilutinovTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"We're in the market to add something. But we will only do it with a player we believe can help us," Bartzokas told the Greek reporters before the upcoming EuroLeague game against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Bartzokas also talked about the fact that Olympiacos didn't have many opportunities to play with the full squad yet.

"Journalists write that Olympiacos need two players. I would like to know if you mean the two players missing [Sikma, McKissick] or these two and two more, which is four players," he wondered.

"If McKissic returns and since Brazdeikis has been added, we'll have two more players compared to last season. How am I going to use all of them? We are open to the market," Bartzokas continued.

Ignas BrazdeikisCredit /IPA/SIPA/Scanpix

The 58-year-old tactician also revealed that Olympiacos made offers to certain players, but it didn't work out.

"Olympiacos offered certain players – one day it will be revealed to whom – amounts that were beyond our logic, which I am also opposed to because there are always balances within the team.

For some reason these transfers were not made. At the moment, unfortunately, with the successive injuries, we don't have a full picture of what the team can give because we've never played with a full roster," Bartzokas explained.

Bartzokas also believes that for a player to make a direct impact and make the team better, he must be of very high class.

"This means that we have to bring in a better player than those who exist or a player who will give us a boost with his quality," he said.

Olympiacos Piraeus / Schedule

Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul Olympiacos Piraeus79-77 Olympiacos Piraeus Baskonia Vitoria-GasteizThu17:15 Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv Olympiacos Piraeus11-1419:05

Bartzokas further explained that he always trusts and supports the players who have helped the team win titles.

"It doesn't mean that just because McKissick has been out for a month, I'm going to change him. I'll never do that. He has been important for Olympiacos in recent years, and I will not sell him out.

It's over and done with; that's how it is. If the team has to help with a player while someone is out or will help in the rotation, the presidents have given me 100% freedom to do it," he pointed out.

Shaquielle McKissic Giorgos BartzokasCredit Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

Finally, Bartzokas pointed out that not all new signings instantly make the team better, using the examples of other EuroLeague teams.

"I would like you to analyze all these transfers, the so-called marquee signings that were made in the summer, and what they've offered their teams. All the NBAers who came in with big hype, what effect have they had on their game?

Right now, 5-6 teams are on the market, looking at what player they can get. So, all those who say, 'Go get a player,' tell us which player to take. Who will come to Olympiacos and make it better?

So, because I have a position of responsibility and I have to be OK with the players of our team, especially the presidents and the fans of Olympiacos, I will say that at least we have proved that we have a good criterion in how we staff the team.

The fact we have so many injuries and mishaps has affected us, but let's see the whole squad together to fully assess it. We are close to doing that. At any rate, because we are in the market, we are likely to make some move as soon as we believe that the one who comes will really help us," Bartzokas concluded.

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