Obradović Scouting NBA Centers for Panathinaikos, Eyes Former Partizan Target

Pulse Sports Team 13:01 - 22 October 2026

Panathinaikos boast one of the strongest rosters in the EuroLeague, but Greek media report that Željko Obradović is eyeing two NBA big men—whose arrivals naturally depend on their contract situations stateside.

One player on Željko Obradović's radar is Charles Bassey, a big man previously linked with a move to Partizan.

Bassey is currently under contract with the Golden State Warriors on a deal worth over $2.8 million. The second name being monitored is fellow center James Wiseman, a player Obradović's assistant Mike Batiste knows very well.

A European move appears to be the more realistic outcome for Bassey. Half of his contract is guaranteed with Golden State, and should he part ways with the team before January 2027, it would pave the way for a transfer across the Atlantic.

Wiseman and Bassey are currently high on Obradović's wishlist, as the head coach believes Panathinaikos are far more likely to land the right reinforcement at center from the NBA market than from within the EuroLeague. The primary hurdle, however, remains their availability. Both big men are currently tied to active NBA contracts and would first have to hit free agency before any potential move to Europe could materialize, according to Greek journalist Giorgos Sifakis.

Charles Bassey is a 25-year-old American center selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the 53rd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He has since spent time with the Spurs, Grizzlies, Celtics, Sixers, and in the NBA G League.

James Wiseman was once a top prospect, drafted second overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2020. Following three injury-plagued seasons, he moved to the Detroit Pistons and later the Indiana Pacers, before signing with the New York Knicks ahead of this season. He is also 25 years old.