Tyler Dorsey enters the new season with Olympiacos as one of the key pieces of the reigning EuroLeague champions, but there is still uncertainty surrounding his long-term future with the club.
The Greek guard has already made it clear that negotiations over a contract extension are far from complete, with his current deal set to expire next summer. Speaking to SPORT24, Tyler Dorsey addressed the situation while also discussing Olympiacos’ revamped roster, Thomas Walkup’s departure to Dubai and the team’s temporary move away from the Peace and Friendship Stadium.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract, Dorsey insists that nothing outside the court will affect his approach.
Tyler Dorsey remains focused despite Olympiacos contract uncertainty
Dorsey acknowledged that his contract situation is not an easy position for any player, but he believes his previous experiences have prepared him to deal with uncertainty.
“Of course, it’s an uncomfortable position for a player, definitely. But, just like in my life, I’ve always felt uncomfortable. Last year [in Abu Dhabi], I wasn’t even playing in the Final Four, so I’ve been in some really difficult situations. That’s why I feel comfortable in situations like this now. It doesn’t affect my thinking at all. I just keep that hunger inside me, whatever happens.”
The 30-year-old had previously revealed that there had been no significant progress in negotiations with Olympiacos, while making it clear that staying in Piraeus remains his preference.
“My goal is never to do something for those reasons. Every year I do the same things, every year I play the same way. As of right now, we are not close to an agreement at all. I told them that I want to stay here since the season started.”
Dorsey also stressed that the outcome of the negotiations is beyond his control and that his approach will not change regardless of what happens with his future.
“That is beyond what I can control. We are where we are. As far as my future, we’ll see what happens. My goal is simply to start the season the best way possible and do what I do. I’m not changing my approach in terms of certain things. My mentality is the same.”
He also explained what he believes separates a good player from an elite one once financial security has already been achieved.
“I think that’s what takes you from being a good player to an elite player: when you have the money, the contract you want or whatever else… what do you do next? That’s what I focus on: staying ‘hungry’ for success.”
Jean Montero and Codi Miller-McIntyre bring a different style
Olympiacos enters the new season with significant changes to its backcourt, adding Jean Montero and Codi Miller-McIntyre to a team that already features Tyler Dorsey and several established EuroLeague veterans.
“I think the style of play is different. I believe this year we’ll have to play a little faster, which I love. So I think that fits perfectly with the style of the players who are coming in and the ones we already have, and we’ll find a way to adjust through practices and the weeks ahead.”
The guard also pointed to the different backgrounds of the two new additions.
“I think they’ll find that themselves. It’s more about the system, about how to be themselves while also functioning within the system. I think that’s the most important thing. Montero is coming from Valencia… they play at a fast pace, up and down, and the same goes for Crvena Zvezda where Miller-McIntyre played. Whereas we usually play more in the half court. So it’s a matter of balance. I hope we can balance the two. And I think that will be the best thing for us.”
Dorsey even joked about the difference between facing the two guards and having them on his own side.
“When the other teams do their scouting, they’ll be saying, ‘Oh, oh, oh, what are we going to do?’”
Tyler Dorsey reacts to Thomas Walkup’s move to Dubai
One of the biggest changes to Olympiacos’ roster is the departure of Thomas Walkup, who spent five seasons in Piraeus and became a central figure during the club’s most successful period in recent years.
Walkup’s departure followed a complicated few weeks. The veteran guard came close to leaving Olympiacos for Dubai before the move was initially blocked by the Greek club. Walkup subsequently broke off contact with Olympiacos, while the club took the matter to the relevant EuroLeague bodies and also filed a complaint involving Dubai before an agreement was eventually reached.
“Yes, we were together from my first year at Olympiacos. He’s worked hard and achieved a lot. I saw something online about the trophies he and Shaq McKissic have won… nobody can take those away from them. They brought so many trophies to this club.”
He also acknowledged the drama surrounding Walkup’s situation before the transfer was eventually completed.
“As for his situation, I’m happy that it’s over. It’s not nice to get involved in drama and things like that, but I’m happy for him. It’s a new chapter in his life. We’ll see… I’ll be watching from afar.”
Dorsey will not have to wait long to see his former teammate again. Olympiacos and Dubai are set to meet during the EuroLeague season, although Dorsey does not plan to send Walkup any special message before their matchup.
“No. I know he’ll be guarding me. I know how he plays. So it should be an interesting game.”
Olympiacos faces a different challenge away from SEF
The reigning EuroLeague champions will also begin the season without their usual home court.
With the Peace and Friendship Stadium undergoing extensive renovation, Olympiacos has confirmed that its home games will be played at AEK’s SUNEL Arena until the upgraded SEF is ready.
“Yes, I think it will be a process of adapting and learning. It will be somewhat uncomfortable for us not to be at home, to have the additional travel and all that. So, as I said at the beginning of the season, we have to find a way to manage it.”
Tyler Dorsey believes the team’s ability to maintain its mentality will be just as important as any tactical adjustment.
“We have a new team, but you know, there are players who are still hungry for success and wins. However, we are now the team everyone is targeting. Everyone will want to prove themselves against us. So, if we have the mentality not to overreact during the long season and try to maintain our consistency, everything will be fine.”
