Ergin Ataman reveals Panathinaikos want to add two more players / News - Basketnews.com

Panathinaikos Athens, reeling from Ioannis Papapetrou's knee surgery, seek reinforcements in the form of a small forward and ball handler.

Credit: Vangelis Stolis Credit Vangelis Stolis

Panathinaikos Athens bounced back after two consecutive EuroLeague losses in the double-round week when the Greens beat injury-riddled Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on Friday night.

Points this season

47%80,2Points made:80,2Accuracy:46,8%Place in standings:9Record max:95Record min:69Best scorer:Mathias LessortTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Following the game, PAO head coach Ergin Ataman addressed the media regarding the pressing need for reinforcements in light of Ioannis Papapetrou's left knee surgery.

This means the Greek forward will not be able to play again in 2023. His return to action is anticipated in the first few months of 2024.

"Unfortunately, Ioannis Papapetrou's surgery was a big surprise for us because this guy played all season last year in Partizan. 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," Ataman said in the press conference.

"There is a reality that we need two players. We are searching on the market," he continued. "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."

Looking ahead, Panathinaikos face a local derby against Olympiacos Piraeus on Monday at the Piece and Friendship Stadium at 19:15 CET.

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