As he shone at the Olympics, with his energy and physique, Mathias Lessort has drawn the spotlight on him for a few days. However, with 14.6 points and 7.6 rebounds on average in the Euroleague last season, a competition he won with Panathinaikos, the French center has already been in great shape for a while.
To the point of being approached by the Knicks this summer, who have owned his rights since 2020. Is this worrying for the Greek club, which could therefore lose him?
“No, because he has a contract with us, without an exit clause for the NBA”, Sani Becirovic explainssports director of Panathinaikos. “That's why I'm quite calm. There are rumors of great interest in him. Yes, there is interest, but we have never entered into serious negotiations that could have led to results, as, for example, with Guerschon Yabusele.”
“We are talking about a real dominant pivot. Not only in Europe, but on a global level!”
So there is no risk for the 2024 European champion. However, if his future is written in Greece, Mathias Lessort will have competition. Rumors speak of a possible arrival of Omer Yurtseven, also in the Knicks' sights. “What was written is true. There is nothing to hide. Contacts have been made, we are finding out about the idea, whether it is realistic or not.”confirms Sani Becirovic.
The silver medallist at the Paris Olympics will have to step it up a notch and build on his successful tournament with Les Bleus.
“Mathias has proven that what he did before, at Partizan, was not a fluke, but that he is truly a player who is progressing, season after season, and confirming his quality,” analyzes the sports director of Pana. “If Lessort was an energy player, who had his moments, now we are talking about a real dominant pivot. Not only in Europe, but at the world level! I am happy that he is still with us this season. It is obvious that our wish is for him to stay as long as possible, and we will do everything in our power to keep him.”
