Daniel Theis has opened up about a turbulent few months that took him from Monaco’s financial crisis to the collapse of his planned move to Asvel, before eventually leading him to Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The German center discussed the difficult period in an interview with Braunschweiger Zeitung, explaining how Monaco’s players went months without being paid, why he was disappointed by the way Asvel’s ambitious project fell apart and what ultimately convinced him to join Maccabi Tel Aviv.
During the 2011 NBA lockout, Tony Parker played for Asvel. 🏀
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) August 8, 2026
15 years later, as the head coach and shareholder of the club, he will lead an ambitious EuroLeague project. 👀
Can he overcome all the growing challenges and achieve success similar to what he accomplished during… pic.twitter.com/b5SfBXRqZB
Daniel Theis reveals how close Monaco players came to ending the season
Financial problems at Monaco marked the second half of last season. Players went months without receiving their salaries, with the situation becoming so serious that the team considered taking a radical step.
“It is very unpleasant for a player. You can compare it to a normal job – you go to work, and suddenly you no longer receive a salary. We were not paid for three months. We players were really very close to deciding to end the season. Coach Vasilis Spanoulis left, and I think he had gone even longer without receiving money. It is difficult when you work, travel and play games and do not get paid for it.”
The problems emerged after the accounts of Monaco’s owner were frozen because of sanctions and his links to Russia. Theis said the players were aware of what was happening behind the scenes and were trying to understand the situation.
“Of course, we knew about it because we wanted to know what was happening. Some accounts were frozen, and various things were going on in the background. For us, however, the most important thing was to find a solution. Fortunately, at some point the Prince and the Princely Palace got involved and made it possible for the season to continue and the salaries to be paid. We were able to focus on basketball again and finish the season in the right way.”
Monaco ultimately became French champions, although Daniel Theis could not help the team in the decisive games. He dislocated his finger during the EuroLeague playoffs, with the injury also damaging the ligaments.
“I dislocated my finger during the EuroLeague playoffs, and the ligaments were also torn. It was my shooting hand. In the end, the question was whether I could return for the final series, but the team had already played without me for several weeks and found its rhythm.
The condition of my finger was not good enough either. I was with the team the whole time and mostly travelled with them, but in the meantime I was also able to do some things that we normally do not have time for. One weekend, for example, I spent at Roland Garros.”
Theis explains why the Asvel project collapsed
After the season, Daniel Theis accepted an offer from Asvel, with Tony Parker presenting an ambitious project built around a major budget and a roster designed to compete more heavily in the EuroLeague.
“First of all, it is an honor when Tony Parker calls you. The idea he had was good. He told me that I could extend my career by playing more in the EuroLeague and less in the French championship. The plan was to have a big roster, like many EuroLeague clubs have. It did not sound bad to me – to play against the three or four best teams in the domestic league while also playing in the EuroLeague.”
The ambitious project, however, quickly began to fall apart. Asvel was forced to dramatically reduce its spending plans, while several players who had been part of the original project subsequently left.
“I mostly found out everything through the media or from teammates who sent me news. Unfortunately, there was almost no communication. Tony Parker probably also felt bad because he had put his name behind the whole project. He explained to the players what he wanted to build and what ideas he had. I believe it was also very difficult for him when everything fell apart.”
The lack of direct communication was particularly difficult for Theis because of his previous relationship with Parker.
“You would expect to receive a call. We talked during the summer, and many players, including me, were at his house so that we could talk about different things. That is why it is unpleasant when you find out what is happening in this way.”
The timing made the situation even more complicated. By the end of July, most clubs had already built their rosters, leaving Theis with considerably fewer options.
“It was really very late, practically the end of July. I had to look at what options were left for me. I am not among the youngest anymore. Players like Sylvain Francisco are younger and perhaps can find a new club more quickly. Maccabi Tel Aviv, however, called me very quickly and offered me a place as starting center and a two-year contract. That convinced me.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv gave Theis a clear role
The late move to Maccabi Tel Aviv gave Daniel Theis the stability he was looking for after an unusually complicated summer. The German center will live in Tel Aviv, while Maccabi will play its EuroLeague home games in Belgrade.
“The plan is to live in Tel Aviv and fly to Belgrade for the away games – or home games, of course. We will arrive a day earlier and return immediately after the game.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s games in Belgrade will be played without fans, meaning Theis will not immediately experience the atmosphere associated with the Israeli club.
“Unfortunately. Maybe we will be lucky and the situation will change during the season. As far as I know, the Israeli league games will be played normally. I hope that at some point we will be able to experience the whole fan culture again. Anyone who knows European basketball knows that Maccabi Tel Aviv has an incredible fan base and a great history.”
