By Stavros Barbarousis/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite absences and injury problems plaguing Olympiacos since the start of the season, the team has managed to secure two wins in the EuroLeague’s double week, now holding a positive 5-4 score in the standings.
The current atmosphere surrounding the “red and white camp” may lead to developments, especially since the concern is not only about quality but also quantity, as acknowledged by coach Giorgos Bartzokas himself.
Bartzokas, while always believing in the team’s structure and his players, acknowledges that challenges arise due to the current situation.
The limited rotation puts additional strain on healthy players, risking more potential injuries. Particularly after the injury to Nigel Williams-Goss, who will be sidelined for at least a month, Bartzokas cannot turn a blind eye.
“We won’t sign a player pressured by public opinion because if we have doubts, it won’t work for either him or us. We don’t believe that a player can immediately give us something. Yes, we are in the market, looking at players because the injury to Williams-Goss is significant. However, we have three players returning. I repeat, we are in the market, and we will make a move if it truly helps us,” said the Greek coach after the game against Crvena Zvezda.
Guard a priority
With Olympiacos facing challenges in the backcourt since the beginning of the season, and this issue often proving pivotal in many games due to quantitative weaknesses, the team is focusing on acquiring a guard who can make a significant and immediate impact.
The name of Naz Mitrou-Long has been mentioned and has received mixed reviews in this regard.
In the pros column, he holds a Greek passport, and currently, Zalgiris doesn’t seem to heavily depend on him. Mitrou-Long, however, hasn’t seen enough playing time with the Lithuanians, averaging only 11 minutes and just 8 minutes and 35 seconds against Panathinaikos (15/11).
The drawback in his case lies in the time Olympiacos would have to wait before being able to use him. Even if Mitrou-Long impresses, he won’t be eligible to play in the EuroLeague until the start of the second round, a restriction which is not negligible considering the circumstances.
At the moment, the priority for Olympiacos is a guard who can provide immediate assistance, with no other names being officially linked to the team so far.
What’s happening with Petrusev?
Olympiacos is actively exploring the market for a perimeter player, and that’s where the focus lies. However, it doesn’t mean that if a solid frontcourt player (power forward or center) becomes available, they won’t seriously consider it. One name that has been mentioned is Filip Petrusev.
The 2023 FIBA World Cup silver medalist, who crossed the Atlantic over the summer, is reportedly disappointed as he hasn’t found a stable position yet. Despite starting the season with the Sixers, his base quickly changed. Two trades later, he went from Philadelphia to Los Angeles and then to Sacramento.
Although Petrusev hasn’t found stability in the NBA, he is determined to fight for his place, even though he struggles to find playing time with the Kings.
Everything, however, depends on the team. Petrusev has signed a two-year contract with a guaranteed salary until January 7. It remains to be seen whether the Kings will release him earlier; otherwise, the approximately 50-day waiting period is not negligible.
Petrusev has 2 years left on his contract ($1.1M and $1.9M).
There is $559,782 guaranteed this season with the balance guaranteed on Jan. 7.
His 2024-25 salary is non-guaranteed.
The Clippers have 2 open roster spots and have 2 weeks to fill one of the openings. https://t.co/WcH4L8TCwS
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) November 1, 2023
It’s worth noting that there have been no confirmations, according to Eurohoops sources, of any negotiations with the player or his agent. Olympiacos, however, is seeking a front line player with a role similar to last year’s Tarik Black but with the characteristics of Petrusev.