Ergin Ataman voiced strong criticism regarding Panathinaikos players’ performance in Vitoria, highlighting Kendrick Nunn as the sole standout despite his team’s victory.
Ataman’s Candid Assessment of the Game
“First and foremost, we secured the win. However, aside from Nunn, I am far from satisfied with how we achieved it. Our overall display was disappointing, and relying on a single player won’t help us reach our ambitions. The current style of play is concerning because it depends heavily on one scorer. We are not moving the ball effectively. Layups are missed, and fundamental plays are failing. This is not the caliber of basketball expected from a top-tier team. In the final moments, Nunn stepped up and deserved credit for his effort. Still, I remain deeply worried, especially about our performance in the last quarter. With this roster, we cannot continue playing this way. It’s a precarious situation that we must address urgently.”
Analyzing the Team’s Struggles and Future Outlook
Ataman’s remarks underscore a critical issue: Panathinaikos’ overreliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive teamwork. In modern basketball, successful teams like the 2023 NBA champions Denver Nuggets emphasize ball movement and balanced scoring, a strategy Panathinaikos currently lacks. The Greek club’s inability to convert easy opportunities and share offensive responsibilities could jeopardize their season goals if not corrected promptly.
Kendrick Nunn’s Role Amidst Team Challenges
While Nunn’s clutch plays have been a silver lining, Ataman’s comments suggest that one player’s heroics cannot mask systemic flaws. For Panathinaikos to thrive in the EuroLeague, a more collective approach is essential. This includes improving passing accuracy, shot selection, and defensive coordination-areas where the team showed vulnerability in Vitoria.