Athens, Greece – Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens is navigating a shifting frontcourt dynamic following the abrupt departure of center Richaun Holmes. The Greek club announced the immediate termination of Holmes’ contract on March 24, 2026, bringing an end to a stint that began with high expectations but ultimately fell short of expectations. This move comes just over a month after the team parted ways with Turkish center Ömer Yurtseven, leaving Panathinaikos with a significantly altered interior rotation as they push towards the end of the season.
A Fractured Relationship
The decision to release Holmes stemmed from escalating tensions with head coach Ergin Ataman. Following a recent championship game, Ataman publicly criticized Holmes’ performance, stating, “Our centers, particularly Holmes, are sleeping on the court, they don’t move on the pick-and-rolls, and conceded 31 points in the first quarter.” Holmes responded to the criticism on social media, posting a series of laughing-crying emojis on X (formerly Twitter), a reaction that further strained the relationship.
Holmes, who had signed a 1+1 contract with Panathinaikos last summer, averaged 7.9 points and 4.3 rebounds during his time in the EuroLeague. The club reportedly anticipated a greater impact from the 32-year-old veteran, who has a decade of NBA experience with teams including the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings. The breakdown in communication and performance ultimately led to the mutual decision to part ways.
Η ΚΑΕ Παναθηναϊκός AKTOR ανακοινώνει τη λύση της συνεργασίας της με τον Ρισόν Χολμς και του εύχεται καλή συνέχεια στην καριέρα του.
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Panathinaikos BC AKTOR announces the termination of its cooperation with Richaun Holmes. We thank him and wish him all the best in his life… pic.twitter.com/4nrzgj48QX
— Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) March 24, 2026
Lessort Steps into the Spotlight
The timing of Holmes’ departure creates an opportunity for Mathias Lessort to reassert himself as a key player for Panathinaikos. The French center recently returned to the court in mid-March after a lengthy absence of over a year. In three EuroLeague appearances since his return, Lessort has averaged 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 20 minutes of play. He is now poised to take on a more prominent role in the team’s rotation.
Currently, Panathinaikos’ center rotation consists of Lessort and Kenneth Faried. Konstantinos Mitoglou and Aleksandar Samodurov provide additional size and versatility, while Ioannis Kouzeloglou has been recalled from loan to bolster the team’s options in domestic play. Lessort is expected to grow the focal point of the team’s interior offense and defense.
Lessort has already started the last two European matches as a starter, demonstrating Ataman’s confidence in his ability to contribute. With the competition for playing time reduced, the international player will have the chance to regain his form and become a consistent performer for Panathinaikos as they navigate a crucial stretch of the season. The team currently holds a 9th-place standing in the EuroLeague standings.
Mathias Lessort (@ThiasLsf) spoke about the great trust that Ergin Ataman has in him at Panathinaikos. 🗣️☘️#paobc #paobcaktor pic.twitter.com/FyDpwUXmM6
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) March 24, 2026
The situation highlights the challenges teams face when integrating NBA players into the European basketball system. While Holmes brought a wealth of experience, his fit within Ataman’s system and his response to criticism ultimately proved unsustainable. Panathinaikos is now banking on Lessort’s familiarity with the EuroLeague and his renewed commitment to lead the team’s frontcourt.
Interestingly, Ömer Yurtseven, released by Panathinaikos earlier, has found a latest opportunity in the NBA, signing two 10-day contracts with the Golden State Warriors. This demonstrates the fluidity of player movement between continents and the ongoing search for the right fit for both players and teams.
Panathinaikos will require a strong performance from Lessort and Faried as they continue their EuroLeague campaign. Their next challenge comes against [insert next opponent and date/time here – *verification needed*], a crucial matchup that will have implications for their playoff aspirations. Fans can follow updates on the team’s official website and social media channels.
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