Ten Greek free agents in basketball

AGONAsport analyses the prospects of 10 Greek free agents in basketball with the off-season already fast gathering pace.

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In September, the long-awaited 2019 FIBA World Cup will take place in China, with Greece ready to make a challenge for the crown with the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nick Calathes and Kostas Sloukas leading the charge. Nevertheless, before that tournament begins, several Greek basketballers are hoping to find new employment as they become free agents.

Let’s take a closer look at 10 of them:

Kosta Koufos

Initially, the tall 30-year-old was due to represent Greece at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, but he reportedly ignored calls from the management and was subsequently left out of the squad.

At the moment, Koufos is no closer to securing a new NBA contract, with his Sacramento Kings deal having reached its completion this summer. During the 2018/2019 season, Koufos averaged 3.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 0.9 assists, his worst campaign with the Kings since joining in 2015. There is a possibility that the center will be snapped up by a EuroLeague club.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo

The older brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo could be on his way back to the NBA. According to various reports in the media, the 26-year-old is close to concluding a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, and it is beginning to look increasingly unlikely that he will leave Panathinaikos this summer. Thanasis spent two seasons with Panathinaikos, winning the Greek Cup and two Basket League titles.

Tyler Dorsey

In the past, Dorsey has been linked with Olympiacos as a result of holding Greek citizenship through his family heritage, however it’s highly unlikely he will travel to Europe.

Taking into account his solid showings with the Memphis Grizzlies, Dorsey is predicted to remain in the NBA, and he’s hoping to secure his new North American contract in the coming weeks before the World Cup begins. Greek national team head coach Thanasis Skourtopoulos included him in the preliminary squad for the competition.

Giannis Athinaiou

In the second half of the 2018/2019 campaign, Athinaiou transferred to France with FOS Provence Basket, but the media have predicted that he will return to his native Greece for next season.

Overall, Athinaiou made 17 appearances in the French championship, contributing with an average of 6.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists with the club languishing in 17th place of the standings. Athinaiou is a part of Skourtopoulos’ plans for the World Cup in September.

Zach Auguste

The Greek-American center left Panathinaikos in the summer of 2018 and penned a contract with Galatasaray. In Turkey, Auguste performed well, grabbing a strong average of 13.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists with Galatasaray. Considering his good statistics, Auguste shouldn’t have a problem finding new employers in the EuroLeague, and plenty of teams are known to be after his services. Auguste was only on Panathinaikos’ books for the 2017/2018 season.

Naz Mitrou-Long

It’s widely assumed that Mitrou-Long will leave the Utah Jazz. In the past season, the 25-year-old guard was kept in the reserves by the Jazz, averaging 18.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists with the Salt Lake City Stars. It will be a major surprise if he remains a member of the Jazz organisation beyond the off-season.

Interestingly, Mitrou-Long will supposedly soon receive his Greek passport, which means he could be tempted into a European move.

Ioannis Bourousis

Following two seasons in China with the Zhejiang Lions, Bourousis has already confirmed he will be returning to Europe, and you can be sure that he won’t be short of offers.

Now 35, Bourousis is still capable of playing at a high level, with his preferred destination being Spain. Over the course of his glittering career, the Greek international has won the EuroLeague, EuroBasket and 2002 FIBA U20 European Championship among lots of other awards.

Ian Vougioukas

In truth, before Rick Pitino became head coach of Panathinaikos in late 2018, Vougioukas looked completely off the pace. However, after listening to Pitino’s advice and improving his fitness, the stocky 34-year-old gradually began to improve and made important contributions for the Greens in the closing stages of the season.

Vougioukas’ contract at Panathinaikos is expiring, but if the latest reports are to be believed, he will probably extend his deal with the Prasini.

Giorgos Bogris

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Bogris has been released from Olympiacos, with the 30-year-old having barely played in the 2018/2019 season. Bogris was left on the bench for the majority of the campaign with David Blatt not willing to give him a lot of opportunities.

Bogris flattered to deceive when on the court for the Erythrolefki, and in the 2019/2020 season, he needs to get back into shape and make several improvements to his game. It’s not yet known which club he will join.

Nikos Zisis

Zisis, 36, is approaching the twilight zone of his playing days. Despite his age, he’s still able to make a difference on the court, notably helping Brose Bamberg qualify for the Final Four of the Basketball Champions League.

The guard is the perfect player to make an impact on matches from the bench. In recent weeks, Zisis has been linked with a possible move to AEK, and he wants to join a club which is competing for trophies. AEK have won three cups in the past two seasons.

Image Source: sportfm.gr

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