Kevin Punter explains decision to stay with Partizan, reveals Papapetrou's future / News - Basketnews.com

Kevin Punter talked about his decision to extend his stay at Partizan for two more years and the reasons that made him turn down Panathinaikos' offer. He also revealed where Ioannis Papapetrou will be playing next year.

Credit: Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Images Credit Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Images

Kevin Punter's name was one of the hottest commodities in the EuroLeague free agency market. Last year, he became one of the most prolific scorers in the EuroLeague, averaging 16.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists for 15.0 PIR.

Free throws this season

82%18,0Points made:18,0Accuracy:82,4%Place in standings:1Record max:28Record min:3Most made FTs:Dante ExumTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

He also led the team to its first ABA League title in 10 years, becoming the Playoffs MVP.

His two-year contract withPartizan Mozzart Bet Belgradecame to an end and some of the biggest clubs moved to sign him. The American shooting guard had a lot of offers, most notably from Panathinaikos Athens and FC Barcelona.

"We had discussions with those two teams. There was interest from Turkey as well. There were offers, yes. That's the offseason," Punter told BN Sports' Manos Fyrogenis in an all-encompassing interview.

However, the saga didn't last for long, as Punter ultimately chose to stay with Partizan, with the Serbian club's announcement coming out two days after his reported transfer to Barcelona. Some considered the player's decision a real surprise, given the fact that Barca were willing to pay him more than his current team.

"For us, it's unofficial information that came out after midnight. I really don't know, but it's a completely normal situation to ask for better offers when someone's contract expires, to negotiate them," Partizan's president Ostoja Mijailovic said during the Sportal Jutro program straight after the news about Punter potentially signing with Barcelona broke.

However, Punter had reasons to believe his future wouldn't be far from Belgrade. One of them is his relationship with coach Zeljko Obradovic

"The coach's style of play; I've been here two years, and I'm the captain here," the 30-year-old player said.

"You know, there was a lot going on, but I decided to stay. It's hard to understand. Every day it was reported that I was going elsewhere. Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Real Madrid, Fenerbahce... That was a surprise for me. Everyone was talking about it, it was a mess. But I didn't want that, I didn't need it to be honest. Sometimes, the off-season scenarios can drive you crazy."

Ioannis Papapetrou

Team:Partizan Mozzart Bet BelgradePosition:SF, PFAge:29Height:203 cmWeight:106 kgBirth place:GreeceProfileNewsStatistics

"We've been working tirelessly on this [Kevin Punter] deal for days," Ostoja Mijailovic said after the deal was officialized. "We knew that Punter, the MVP of the ABA League and one of Europe's best players in his position, would attract significant interest. I want to express my gratitude to him for accepting Partizan's slightly lower offer compared to what he had from Barcelona," he added, confirming the reports.

"We did our best. We negotiated to retain our captain as a key figure in our team. It's not just about Kevin Punter the player; it's about keeping someone like him, a great person being. It's crucial for us to keep the core of the team that achieved miracles, ending a ten-year title drought in the ABA League and an eight-year absence from the EuroLeague," Mijailovic stated.

Punter's coming of age in terms of basketball has helped him realize what's important when it comes to choosing the right place to be. Having turned 30 on June 25, he admits that his priorities have changed over the course of time. However, some things have remained the same.

"I've always wanted to feel comfortable, to feel good about everything. What I'm thinking about is those old teams of Fenerbahce, Efes, and CSKA Moscow with [Sasha] Kaun and [Victor] Khryapa. Those teams kept their main core for many years. Like Olympiacos with [Vassilis] Spanoulis, or Panathinaikos before that.

That's how teams succeed over time - by keeping an experienced core of players. Growing up I wanted to be on a good team, and stay with the same teammates for 3-4 years. It's important. You build all the time, you don't start over. You have a foundation to step on. All the successful teams over the years have done that."

It's no secret that Punter shares a special relationship and bond with Obradovic. The two-time BCL winner knows that what sets the Serbian mastermind apart from the rest of his class has little to do with basketball itself.

"It's awesome! I've been playing for him for two years and we'll work together for another two. He demands a lot, he asks you to be great. When people ask me how Zeljko is, the first thing I say is that he's a fantastic person. He is incredibly humble and absolutely modest, despite all the titles he's won. And he's trying to make you better all the time," Punter noted.

The feelings of respect andmutual appreciation played a decisive role in the player's decision to stay with Partizan, as Punter acknowledged.

"We've already built something. He has improved me. I am the team's captain and that was undoubtedly a very important part of my decision."

Credit Aitor Arrizabalaga/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

According to multiple reports, Panathinaikos were eager to lure Punter with a figure enticing enough to persuade him to return to Athens, after his one-year stint (2017-18) with AEK and his almost six-month tenure with Olympiacos in 2019.

Punter admitted that PAO's financial offer was very good, but the two sides weren't meant to get together. One of the thoughts that prevented Punter from signing with the Greeks was that they're a team currently under construction. Hence, he would have to enter uncharted waters.

"Money has not been the issue in any of my decisions so far," he clarified.

"I just told them I was staying out of it. During the offseason, there are a lot of offers and thoughts. You're trying to find the best place for yourself. I just told Panathinaikos that I'd like to stay away from this new start they're making. And I preferred to stay with Partizan."

Even though Punter did re-sign with Partizan and Zach LeDay is also likely to follow on the same path, Mathias Lessort has joined Panathinaikos and Dante Exum will return to the NBA on a one-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks.

It seems that Partizan will hardly manage to keep their core, since another player is on his way out. Ioannis Papapetrou's return to his former team has been rumored a lot over the past few days, and Punter essentially confirmed that the Greek forward is indeed leaving Partizan to rejoin PAO.

Credit Nikola Krstic/MB Media/Getty Images

"I love Pap, he knows that well," he said.

"We had a close relationship during the season. Sadly, he returns home. I wanted him to stay here, to be honest. And I've told him so as well. But everyone makes their own decisions," Punter continued.

"He's a great guy and a very good player. He helped Partizan a lot. I will miss him and we will definitely keep in touch. I am happy for him, and I will forgive him [for leaving]," Partizan's captain joked.

Thank you for reading us! Help us even more.