Zeljko Obradovic has sent a clear message to Panathinaikos as the club begins preparations for the 2026-27 season, stressing the importance of unity, daily work and a return to the values that define the club.
The Serbian coach is beginning a new chapter with Panathinaikos and a talented but incomplete roster. Seven players are currently away with their national teams, while Kendrick Nunn is also dealing with a knee issue.
Speaking during Panathinaikos’ media day, Zeljko Obradovic addressed the team’s high expectations, the integration of new players and the importance of building a genuine team rather than simply relying on individual talent.
Panathinaikos’ first team gathering and practice of the season and plenty of smiling faces! 💚#paobc pic.twitter.com/TodhWAjhlx
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) August 24, 2026
Obradovic addresses expectations and incomplete roster
Zeljko Obradovic has not yet had the chance to work with his entire squad, with several players currently representing their national teams. He also remains without Nunn, who is dealing with a knee problem.
“So far, I haven’t managed to see all the players. We have seven of them with their national teams, and Kendrick Nunn has the problem he has. We are starting preparations, there are also some young players here to help us, so everything is fine. We expect everyone to return next week and continue working.”
Despite the incomplete roster, Obradovic is not looking for excuses. He knows exactly what comes with coaching a Panathinaikos team that has assembled significant individual talent.
“For me, that is normal. It is logical considering the players we have, but the most important thing is that we play as a team. Unfortunately, we will not have many days to work all together, but that is how it is. I will never complain. I spoke with the coaching staff and the players. The expectations are high. Our goal must be to stay united in difficult moments. We have to understand that the season is long and that daily work is very important.”
The Panathinaikos coach also believes the team’s new additions will need time to fully adapt, despite already possessing the basketball knowledge required to compete at the highest level.
“We will have time. These are players who already understand how basketball is played. They are here because of the quality they possess, but time is always needed. To work on certain things, talk and discuss. We will go slowly and everything will be fine.”
The Serbian coach said he was pleased with the group he has assembled and stressed that everyone must work toward the same objective.
“I will tell you just one thing: it was easy for me to find all my assistants. That is positive. We all have to work to help the players. That has to be the goal of the entire coaching staff.”
Zeljko Obradovic: We must understand what Panathinaikos is
For Obradovic, building the new Panathinaikos will involve more than basketball. The coach wants the team to reconnect with the identity and culture that have traditionally made the club one of Europe’s biggest basketball institutions.
Several familiar figures from Panathinaikos’ past are now around the organization, something Obradovic believes can help establish that connection.
“We have people here from the past. Alvertis is here, Batiste is here, Diamantidis is here. I also have players I have already worked with. That helps us.”
The Serbian coach then explained why reconnecting with Panathinaikos’ culture will be an important part of his new era.
“The culture of Panathinaikos is special. We have to return to that, so that everyone understands what Panathinaikos is and learns what Panathinaikos is. We have to be a team in life, not just in basketball. Everyone has to understand that. We have to be at the level that Panathinaikos deserves. Everyone: the players, the coaching staff and the coaches.”
