By Stavros Barbarousis / info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos has decided not to pursue the acquisition of Alexander Balcerowski and will not pay the 500,000 euros buy-out to Gran Canaria for his transfer. Instead, the club is shifting its focus to the eight-year NBA veteran, Noah Vonleh.
After an initial exploratory contact, the 27-year-old player’s demands were deemed high, reaching seven figures. He possesses the ability to effectively play near the basket and can perform as both a “4” and “5” position player.
However, it is important to mention that he lacks experience in European basketball. Nevertheless, his age works in his favor for selection, as he remains in the prime of his career.
Vonleh was selected as the 9th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He later played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics, with the 2021/22 season spent in China with the Shanghai Sharks.
He boasts 362 regular-season games under his belt, with averages of 4.7 points and 4.9 rebounds.