By Nikos Varlas/ varlas@eurohoops.net
After losing the Greek Cup final to AEK, Olympiacos is on the market in order to boost its roster in the final stretch of the season, as the Reds are once again among the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague contenders.
The decision must be made until the 28th of February, the last day of transactions in the EuroLeague and the need for a player who can compliment Vasilis Spanoulis as a second focal point in the offense is obvious.
Keith Langford, the former EuroLeague top scorer, is among the players who are offered to Olympiacos. Last year as a member of Unics Kazan, Langford averaged 21.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3,4 assists. Eurohoops contacted him and spoke with him about the possibility of joining Olympiacos. Langford proved to be more than frank about his game and his wish to be a part of a contender.
There are rumors that Olympiacos is interested in you. Is this true and what do you think about the possibility a European return for a powerhouse like them in order to chase the Final Four and the EuroLeague title that you are missing?
“I don’t know if it is true. Would be awesome and ideal to play for a club like Olympiacos. I’ve played against them many times in my career and have always had huge respect for their organization. My agent and I have the kind of relationship where he comes to me when there is something serious to talk about. We don’t really talk about rumors or all the millions of possibilities that could happen. It’s not always entirely comfortable but when you trust someone to do their job, as a player, you just need to be patient. That being said, I did an interview last year before we played at Olympiacos and I mentioned that it was close to happening a couple years ago. Would be interesting if the situation came full circle. A final four and Euroleague title are the only things missing. I’ve been close a couple times – twice in the playoffs – but this last piece of the puzzle, the Final Four, is what keeps me up at night sometimes”.
Do you believe that you could fit well with Reds, give them elements they’re missing. Could you play well in both ends alongside Spanoulis?
“Honestly, I can fit in with any team. (Laughs) I swear people act like I will start shooting the ball as soon as I get off the plane! But To answer your question, of course, I could.. if some of the biggest stars in the world have joined forces in the NBA, I’m sure it could work the same way in Europe. Perception of our personalities tends to make people feel like things wouldn’t work. The question people should be asking is “what if it does work??” ”
Many people believe that you are a great scorer who needs the whole team working to create his shots. Do you believe that you can adjust in a different role and function not only as a scorer but as a role player as well capable to create for the others and spend energy on defense?
“I think it’s a huge misconception about me regarding these things. I did what I had to do in Kazan to give our team the best chance to win in a very difficult Euroleague. That was my appointed role and I did it to the best of my ability. I learned how to play basketball at the highest level under Roy Williams and Bill Self at Kansas. Went to the Final Four twice. Same situation playing for David Blatt in Maccabi.
I just think that when people see a player that scores a lot, they tend not to watch the other aspects of what he does on the court. Assists, being a good teammate and yes, being a good on-ball defender. Watching film would change that perception easily. There’s really a difference between watching the game and watching film”.
So you do believe that you are the right fit for a team like Olympiacos and you can make a difference?
“With big-time sports, the thing is, you honestly may not need a certain type of player on your team for the majority of games. Especially if your team is very talented. But there is a small percentage of situations and a small percentage of games or matchups that one player is perfect for why they are on the team. Kevin Durant came to Golden State so they could be sure to have the advantage in the finals against Lebron. There are always examples of this. And me coming to any team at this point in the season has to somewhat have this mentality”.