Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens introduced again one of the crucial vital figures in membership historical past on Tuesday, asserting that Dimitris Diamantidis has returned to the group.
“Dimitris Diamantidis has returned house,” Panathinaikos mentioned in its assertion, highlighting the return of a participant who outlined an period for the membership. The group added that Diamantidis won’t have a particular title instantly, along with his precise position anticipated to be decided over time.
“I’m really comfortable to return to Panathinaikos as a result of I really feel like I’m coming again house!” Diamantidis mentioned after finalizing his return. “It is extremely vital for me that I’ll work with coach Obradovic once more and, normally, with folks I do know very properly and respect immensely. That made my determination simpler.”
The transfer marks one other important step in Panathinaikos’ offseason transition after a 2025-26 marketing campaign that ended with a 22-16 EuroLeague regular-season report and a playoff look. The Greek giants were eliminated by Valencia in five games.
The club has already moved on from head coach Ergin Ataman, Marius Grigonis, Kenneth Faried and T.J. Shorts whereas adding Zeljko Obradovic and Moustapha Fall.
Diamantidis’ return offers the membership with certainly one of its most recognizable leaders as Panathinaikos enters a brand new period. The 46-year-old spent 12 seasons with the group from 2004 by way of 2016, profitable 22 titles and changing into one of the crucial embellished gamers in European basketball historical past. He later returned to the group in an administrative position from 2020 to 2022.
The reunion additionally brings Diamantidis again along with Obradovic, who coached Panathinaikos throughout probably the most profitable interval within the membership’s historical past. The Serbian coach was lately appointed to steer the group by way of 2029, whereas Diamantidis cited their earlier relationship as an vital think about his determination.
“I met with Mr. Giannakopoulos and inside a couple of minutes we shook arms. We didn’t want many phrases,” Diamantidis mentioned after assembly with Panathinaikos proprietor Dimitris Giannakopoulos. “The titles don’t matter. We’ll work out the small print alongside the best way. What issues is that all of us work for the group we love and obtain our objectives.”
The roster stays constructed round a number of established contributors. Kendrick Nunn led Panathinaikos with 18.2 factors per recreation whereas taking pictures 50.4% from the sector and 38.0% from three-point vary. Cedi Osman averaged 12.9 factors and three.5 rebounds, whereas Nigel Hayes-Davis contributed 14.1 factors in 16 EuroLeague appearances after becoming a member of the group in the course of the season.
“I’m extraordinarily comfortable to be again at Panathinaikos,” Diamantidis mentioned. “I really feel like I’ve returned house.”
