By Dimitris Minaretzis/ info@eurohoops.net
Previously reported to be close to a deal with Panathinaikos, as confirmed by Eurohoops sources, Matt Thomas is now set to complete his move to the Greens.
The next and final step is the Greek giant making the deal official.
Head coach Dejan Radonjic publicly discussed the possibility of acquiring a new player. His side reportedly emerged as a potential suitor for Shabazz Napier but EA7 Emporio Armani Milan finally secured the services of the Puerto Rican point guard. As for Thomas, the submitted offer satisfied the player’s requests and positive developments were expected.
Thomas, 28, is a veteran of 139 NBA games between the Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, and Toronto Raptors. Before spending the last three seasons in the NBA and coming off a successful NCAA career at Iowa State, he introduced his shooting abilities overseas by launching his pro career in Spain playing for Monbus Obradoiro in 2017-18. Switching to Valencia, he split the 2018-19 season between Spain’s Liga Endesa and the 7DAYS EuroCup, helping the Oranges win the EuroCup for the fourth time in team history. Back in Europe a few years later and joining the team based in in Athens, he will debut in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
Sitting at 8-13, Panathinaikos’ struggles have currently distanced them three games away from the Playoffs zone of Europe’s top-tier club continental competition with 13 more matchups remaining on the double-legged round-robin schedule. The 12-2 record in Greece’s Basket League is two games shy of undefeated rival Olympiacos.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net