By Nikos Varlas/ info@eurohoops.net
Will he go to the NBA or will he stay in Europe? It seems that one of the “thrillers” of the transfer season has come to an end. All-Euroleague center Giannis Bourousis has reached a agreement with Panathinaikos for a two-year contract, according to Eurohoops sources.
Initially, Bourousis has expressed his desire to play in the NBA. He had two offers from in his hands – from the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers – but the two teams, were informed that the Greek center will continue his career in Panathinaikos. Bourousis was also waiting for the San Antonio Spurs, but eventually decided to say “yes” to Panathinaikos who has made the best offer for him.
The only thing that might change the deal of Bourousis with Panathinaikos is a possible arrival of an offer by the Spurs in the next hours. Something that seems highly unlikely to happen.
Generally recognized as one of the elite players in last season’s Euroleague and as the top pivot by far, Bourousis comes from indubitably his best season in his career. With Laboral Kutxa he averaged 14.5 points (shooting with 55.5% on his two-point attempts and 38% from behind the arc), 8.7 rebounds and 2.2. assists per game in Euroleague.
He is a 2015 Euroleague champion with Real Madrid, while being a member of the All-Euroleague First team, twice his career, in 2009 with Olympiacos (Panathinaikos’ arch-rival) and in 2016 with Baskonia.