By Yiannis Bouranis/ info@eurohoops.net
On the occasion of Dimitris Diamantidis’ 1000th career game, head coach, Kostas Pilafidis, said the 35-year-old guard could have played some of those matches in the NBA.
Although he has played for Panathinaikos since 2004, Diamantidis started his career in Iraklis, where his then head coach Pilafidis helped him improve different aspects of his game. The 58-year-old coach talked about Panathinaikos’ captain and how close he came to sign with an NBA team.
More specifically, Pilafidis said he had been approached by some NBA clubs, which wanted to sign Diamantidis, however the latter decided to reject this opportunity and continue playing in Europe.
In addition, he said the Greek player had both the talent and mentality to exceed the expectations, while also mentioned that the three-time Euroleague champion’s main characteristics were his work ethic and insight, which helped him become one of the best European players of all times.