By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Kostas Koufos is the new addition on the roster of Olympiacos with the two sides agreeing to join forces for the remainder of the 2020-21 season, the Reds announced Saturday. The Greek-American center as a free agent was aiming for an NBA return after his season with CSKA Moscow, however, Olympiacos convinced him to join its Turkish Airlines EuroLeague squad.
The 31-years old center after ten seasons in the NBA jumped to the EuroLeague for the first time last season. A member of the Greek national team, Koufos was heavily recruited by Olympiacos before being drafted back in 2008 as the 23rd pick by the Utah Jazz.
Last season in 17 EuroLeague games, Koufos averaged 4.7 ppg and 2.8 rpg playing only 9.3 minutes per game. Meanwhile, Olympiacos is expected to miss center Hassan Martin for five to six weeks, after a meniscal tear he sustained in the game against Anadolu Efes. That’s why the addition of Koufos was more than urgent.
The deal between the Greeks and Koufos does not include an option for the 2021-22 season. EuroLeague teams can make the final additions on their roster until the 24th of February. The two sides nearing a deal was first reported by Gazzetta.gr.