Marius Grigonis opens up about his health, Athens chaos and goals with Žalgiris

Marius Grigonis says the most important thing about returning to Kaunas was being able to play basketball without pain. After five seasons abroad, including four years with Panathinaikos, the Lithuania international is back in the green and white of Žalgiris and preparing for the new season.

Leaving Greece was difficult. His family had grown used to the country, its warm weather and the welcome he received there. But Grigonis said his health had become the central concern. He wanted to run normally and feel normal again. The possibility of returning to Žalgiris had been discussed throughout his career, he said, because Kaunas remained home and he knew everyone there.

“

Organized chaos.

His path back was shaped by events he could not fully control. After leaving Žalgiris in 2021, he spent time in Russia. The war began, he returned, and an agreement with Žalgiris did not initially materialize. The opportunity in Greece then emerged.

“

Where you are loved, you want to stay as long as possible.

Grigonis described his four seasons at Panathinaikos as "organized chaos." The first year brought turmoil in the locker room, criticism from supporters and tense moments in public. The next year, after the team won the EuroLeague, the mood changed completely. He said Greek basketball culture was even more intense than the fanaticism surrounding Žalgiris in Kaunas.

He also recalled the season when Panathinaikos assembled a star-studded roster. Although the club told him he was free to leave, he still had a contract and returned. Early injuries to several teammates created an unexpected role for him at the start of the campaign.

“

First of all, I wanted to run normally. To feel normal. That was the biggest concern.