Obradović Returns: Panathinaikos Above All, But a Storm of Injuries Looms

The chant 'Obradović porom, perom' echoed through OAKA, shaking the arena. Željko Obradović stood there, calm as ever, but this time it was after a 14-year absence. He returned to lead Panathinaikos, the club that took him to the top of Europe, and in their EuroLeague opener, they crushed Paris Basketball 91-72. A dream start? Or just the prelude to a turbulent season? I sat in front of the screen, watching every play, and I clearly felt that behind the magnificent victory were worrying signals. Panathinaikos above all, Obradović said. But above all what, when the roster is decimated by injuries and a grueling schedule awaits? In basketball, sometimes a win hides more problems than a loss. And for Panathinaikos, the win over Paris may be a sweet candy, but behind it is a bitter pill. The 2026-26 EuroLeague season has just begun, and all eyes are on Athens. Panathinaikos, under Obradović, is expected to return to contender status. But the current context is far from ideal. Before the Paris game, the team was missing three pillars: Kostas Sloukas, Kendrick Nunn, and Mustafa Fall, all ruled out for at least two weeks. Rogkavopoulos and Moraitis had just started training again. In total, the team had only 10 practices together before the season. The schedule is brutal: 5 games in 10 days, including 3 practices this week. Obradović, with the experience of a legend, knows he cannot rush. 'I don't want to pressure the players to return if they are not at 100%,' he said. Faith does not need proof, but proof is born after faith. And that faith is being tested from the very first days. To understand better, let's look at the big picture. Panathinaikos is one of the most storied clubs in Europe, with 6 EuroLeague titles in history. Obradović was the architect of 5 of them, from 2026 to 2026. He left in 2026, and since then, Panathinaikos has not returned to the Final Four. His return is seen as a destined reunion, but basketball has changed a lot in 14 years. Modern teams emphasize space, pace, and three-point shooting. Can Obradović, with his strict defensive philosophy and half-court offense, adapt? He partially answered that question with the win over Paris, a team that represents modern trends. However, the win does not erase concerns. The injuries to Sloukas, Nunn, and Fall are a major blow. Sloukas is the brain of the team, Nunn is the offensive spearhead, and Fall is the shield under the rim. Without them, Panathinaikos loses both playmaking and interior strength. Meanwhile, the schedule of 5 games in 10 days will drain any team's energy, let alone a patchwork one. Obradović will have to rotate wisely, give opportunities to young and bench players, and keep his stars from being overworked. It's a difficult task, but with his experience, he can do it. The question is: does Panathinaikos have enough depth to get through this period without losing ground in the EuroLeague race? In that context, the 91-72 win over Paris means more than just a victory. It shows that even without stars, the team can play with a clear identity. But it also raises questions about the sustainability of this success. Is this the beginning of a new dynasty, or just a flash before the storm? Tactically, the win over Paris was a defensive masterclass in true Obradović style. He instructed his players to play aggressive half-court defense, stopping three-point shooters and the opponent's fast-paced transition game. 'We played good basketball and started with aggressive defense... stopped their creators,' Obradović said after the game. Paris is a team that loves to run and shoot, but they were suffocated. Panathinaikos dominated the rebounds, which was surprising given the absence of Mustafa Fall, their main center. 'We dominated the rebounds... Paris is a team that always tries to run,' Obradović emphasized. The individual highlights belonged to Mathias Lessort, who was voted MVP of the game, and Francisco, the newcomer who scored the most points in his debut. Lessort not only played well but also showed leadership, calling his teammates 'brothers'. Francisco integrated quickly, declaring 'Once green, always green'. These positive chemistry signals are crucial in a team still in flux. However, numbers are just a map, and feeling is the real court. I watched the plays over and over, and what I saw was more than a win. It was a team trying to build a defensive identity before finding a common voice on offense. Obradović admitted the team still has 'ups and downs' and offensive 'automatisms' are still developing. With 10 practices and the absence of key playmakers, this is understandable. The bench contributed significantly, a plus amid the injury crisis. Looking deeper, I believe Obradović is deliberately building a steel defense first, as a solid foundation for when the stars return to create freely. Dominating rebounds without Fall shows a collective effort and possibly a small-ball adjustment. But is this sustainable? When Sloukas, Nunn, and Fall return, roles and shot attempts will have to be renegotiated. Francisco may no longer be the primary scorer, and Lessort may have to share scoring duties. That's a tough puzzle for any coach, let alone one returning after 14 years. Another notable point is the emergence of domestic players like Rogkavopoulos, Moraitis, and Varvakitis. They may get opportunities due to Greek domestic league quotas, but Obradović warned that everyone's time will come gradually. 'Everyone's time will come,' he said. This could be a smart strategy to relieve the stars, but it also shows the depth is being tested. Tactically, there isn't much advanced data to analyze. We only have the 91-72 score and the schedule. But from what we observed, Panathinaikos showed the ability to dictate tempo against a run-and-gun opponent. They controlled the rebounds and limited Paris's three-pointers. These are positive signs for a defense that can translate to the playoffs. However, the sample is too small and the roster incomplete. Playoff transferability cannot be assessed from one early-season game. More time is needed. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Obradović and his players. OAKA again echoed with 'Obradović porom, perom', and fans are reveling in the win. But behind the glory are unhealed wounds, a brutal schedule, and unresolved challenges. Is this the start of a new era, or just a flash before the storm? For a comprehensive view, let's analyze other aspects. In terms of personnel, the absence of Sloukas, Nunn, and Fall creates a huge void in playmaking and scoring. Sloukas is one of Europe's top playmaking guards, with the ability to organize and control tempo. Nunn is a versatile scorer who can create points from multiple positions. Fall is a strong defensive and rebounding center. Without them, Panathinaikos must rely on Francisco, a newcomer, and Lessort, a center who can expand his role. Francisco scored the most in his debut, showing he can carry the offense in the short term. But can he maintain this form when opponents focus on him more? That's a big question. Regarding the schedule, 5 games in 10 days is a harsh test. It demands not only physical but mental focus. Players will travel constantly, recover quickly, and maintain high intensity. Obradović will have to use his rotation smartly, possibly giving chances to lesser-known players like Varvakitis or Moraitis. This could help them gain experience, but it could also lead to mistakes. If Panathinaikos loses a few games, it's not a disaster, but it will relieve pressure on opponents and raise doubts. Tactically, Obradović is building a defensive system based on aggression and discipline. He demands constant movement, pressure on the ball, and passing lane disruption. This is the philosophy that made his name at Panathinaikos before. However, modern basketball requires diverse and efficient offense. Obradović admitted the team needs to 'score more easily', meaning the offense still relies on individual plays or set pieces. When the stars return, he will have more options, but also must solve the chemistry puzzle. Psychologically, Obradović's return has created a wave of excitement. Fans believe he will bring the team back to the top. But the pressure is also immense. Any loss will be dissected. Obradović tried to reduce pressure by emphasizing 'Panathinaikos above all of us', a message of unity. He also praised the young and bench players, motivating them. These are wise moves by a veteran coach. In summary, the win over Paris is a positive start, but it does not hide the challenges ahead. Panathinaikos is on a rebuilding path, and Obradović is the right captain. But is the ship sturdy enough to weather the storm of injuries and a dense schedule? Only time will tell. I could be wrong. And I am willing to admit that. A 91-72 win doesn't say much about the whole season. Paris may be just a mid-tier opponent, and their heavy loss doesn't mean Panathinaikos will beat Real Madrid or Barcelona. Moreover, the injury storm could devastate any plan. Sloukas, Nunn, and Fall are all key players, and their absence for at least two weeks will force Obradović to rotate heavily. With 5 games in 10 days, the risk of further injuries is high. If Panathinaikos loses a few games in this stretch, it's not a disaster, but it will raise doubts. Another downside is the offense. Obradović admitted the team needs to 'score more easily', implying the offense is still stuck. If the defense cannot maintain high intensity every game, they will struggle to score in half-court sets. The reliance on Lessort and Francisco could become a double-edged sword when opponents adjust. And there's another factor: the return of the stars. When Sloukas and Nunn return, they will need the ball. Francisco is used to being the primary scorer; will he be willing to step back? Lessort may remain the leader, but the scoring pressure will decrease. This balance doesn't happen naturally. Obradović will face the ego management puzzle, which he has handled well in the past, but modern basketball has changed. Finally, don't forget that the EuroLeague is a long marathon. Championship teams are often not those with the perfect start, but those that know how to navigate storms. Panathinaikos is on that path, but they have a lot of work to do. I don't write for the readers; I write because the game deserves to be remembered, not just watched. And this game, despite the positive result, leaves more questions than answers. Can Obradović turn the injury storm into a catalyst to build a true 'above all' collective? Or is this just a sweet but short-lived start? So hold your applause. Panathinaikos has had a dream start, but that dream could soon turn into a nightmare if injuries don't let up. The next 5 games in 10 days will be a real test of the team's character and depth. If Obradović can keep the team stable, rotate wisely, and wait for the stars to return, Panathinaikos will be a serious contender. But if they falter in this stretch, the pressure will multiply. Anyway, Obradović's journey in Athens has just begun. And as he said, 'Panathinaikos above all of us'. That phrase is not just a slogan, but a reminder that no one, not even a legend, stands above the collective. Is that collective strong enough to weather the storm? Only time will tell.