Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos is moving quickly to bolster its roster as injuries sideline three of the team’s centers. Richaun Holmes, Mathias Lessort, and Omer Yurtseven are all currently out, leaving a significant gap in the frontcourt.
According to journalist Aris Barkas, Panathinaikos is finalizing a deal with Kenneth Faried, who is currently playing for TSG GhostHawks in Taiwan. Faried previously competed in the EuroLeague with CSKA Moscow and brings extensive professional experience to the club.
Faried, 35, played eight seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Denver Nuggets, averaging 11.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game over his career. He also had stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, contributing solid frontcourt depth and energy on both ends of the floor.
After leaving the NBA, Faried played in multiple international leagues, including China, Mexico, Italy, and Puerto Rico.
Panathinaikos currently sits 8th in the EuroLeague standings with a 5-4 record. Coach Ergin Ataman faces the challenge of integrating Faried quickly to stabilize the team’s interior presence. With upcoming matches against top teams, the addition of a veteran like Faried could prove pivotal.
The Greek squad has relied on players such as Juancho Hernangomez and Dinos Mitoglou to fill frontcourt minutes. Faried’s arrival is expected to ease the workload on the remaining healthy big men and improve Panathinaikos’ rebounding and defensive efficiency.
