The basketball Panathinaikos He completed the transfer “bam” with the acquisition of Risson Holmes. The 31 -year -old American center landed in “El Venizelos” on Friday night (08.08.2025), having signed a two -year contract (1+1) with the “Greens”.
Risson Holmes saw the reception held by Panathinaikos’ friends at the airport and was thrilled. Listening – in fact – the world of the world, the American applauded and said: “I like this” three times, showing his enthusiasm to fight with the Greens jersey.
After passing the medical examinations, Holmes will be announced by Panathinaikos, being the fifth and probably Panathinaikos’ latest transfer, for the current transfer period.
It is recalled that Holmes has a NBA-out for the summer of 2026. His earnings will reach 2.4 million euros a year.
Holmes will compete for the first time in his career in Europe, after 489 NBA matches with Philadelphia Sixers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards, in which he measured 8.5 points.
The 32 -year -old American center talked about his decision to leave the NBA and say “yes” to Panathinaikos, about the reception given by the team’s friends at the airport, and gave the slogan to win the 8th EuroLeague.
In detail what Risson Holmes said:
If he waited for the reception he received: “No, at all. Since I got on the plane the love given to me by fans excited me. I can’t wait to get on the pitch and give them back that love. I haven’t lived it again. I really appreciate it.”
For who was the key to accepting Panathinaikos’ proposal and play for the first time in Europe: “How they chased me. They wanted me. They gave me the idea, they wanted me here, they needed me. That meant a lot to me, I wanted to want me. I’m coming here to do great things. It’s a huge team and I’m happy to be part of this heritage.”
On whether he had a discussion with Ataman: “I had the opportunity to talk for a while. We’ll say more now that I’m here. I’m looking forward to getting to know him, to meet the kids.”
On whether he has a message about the world: “I’m here, I’m ready, I’m ready to be competitive, let’s get the number 8”.
For his relationship with Cereic Nan: “Our relationship goes back to Chicago. We are from the same place, we were training at the same place in the summer. He talked to me about the fans, the demands for wins. It was difficult to say no. I look forward to winning.”
As to whether Panathinaikos is a step for the NBA or if he intends to stay and win titles: “I’m here to win. The team chased me, they gave me love from the beginning, I’m here to win.”
CThe atmosphere created by Panathinaikos’ friends at the airport: “It’s unlikely. I can’t express it in words, I haven’t lived it again. As soon as I got out of the plane love was immediate. I look forward to getting on the pitch and returning the love they gave me.”
For the atmosphere at OAKA and what he is waiting for on the court: “I’ve seen videos, I’ve seen the atmosphere, fans have sent me videos. It looks great, crazy on television. Playing there is something I can’t imagine, I want to go out on the pitch and experience it myself.”
About his relationship with Jerian Grand: “I didn’t have the opportunity to talk to him yet. We worked together when it was going to get into the draft. I’m looking forward to seeing all the kids.”