Giannakopoulos: 'I will sign Jokic next year - Bodiroga's banner returns'

Panathinaikos BC owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos did not hold back in a recent interview, addressing a range of controversial topics. He strongly condemned the incident between players Tyrik Jones and Kendrick Nunn during the Greek league finals, calling such altercations "unacceptable," especially when they occur off the court in the locker room.

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The incident between Tyrik Jones and Kendrick Nunn in this year's Greek championship finals was very sad. Incidents between athletes are unacceptable. Especially when they do not happen within the intensity of the game, but in the locker room. This makes the situation even worse.

"We all set an example for the world and must try to maintain our composure," Giannakopoulos stated, acknowledging that he too must heed this advice. He emphasized that severe penalties are necessary for such behavior. The owner also revealed the substantial financial penalties he has personally incurred, totaling 2.2 million euros, for actions like entering the court and posting on social media during the Jordi Bartomeu era.

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We all set an example for the world and must try to maintain our composure. I say this so that I hear it myself. I do not agree at all with what happened.

Giannakopoulos also touched upon potential player acquisitions, admitting he would have liked to sign Milos Teodosic, whom he considers one of the smartest players after Sarunas Jasikevicius. He also confessed to a past mistake regarding Dejan Bodiroga's banner, hinting at potential returns for Dimitris Diamantidis and Zeljko Obradovic. The owner's candid remarks offer a glimpse into the high-stakes world of European basketball ownership.

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I have paid a total of 2.2 million euros. Because I went to the stadium or because I posted stories on Instagram.