American guard Kentavious "Kent" Nan was the standout player for Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague regular season, but the team's overall defensive weaknesses ultimately hindered their playoff chances. Panathinaikos finished the regular season with an offensive rating (ORTG) of 117 and a defensive rating (DRTG) of 115.7, resulting in a net rating of +1.3. This performance led to a 7th place finish and elimination from the playoffs by Valencia.
Nan's scoring prowess was evident, averaging 18.3 points per game (58.4% on two-point shots and 38% on three-pointers). When he was on the court, Panathinaikos's ORTG rose to 123.2, highlighting his significant contribution to scoring opportunities. However, his defensive impact was less pronounced, though not detrimental. The team's DRTG when Nan was in the lineup was slightly better at 115.2. Despite his positive contributions, Nan struggled against larger guards and forwards, which became apparent in matches against more physical teams like Olympiacos and Fenerbahçe.
While Nan was the team's top player, the lack of overall team balance prevented Panathinaikos from advancing to the EuroLeague Final Four.
Panathinaikos News:
- The EuroLeague Final Four is no coincidence, and that’s why Panathinaikos isn’t there.
- Dimitris Giannakopoulos preparing for major changes at Panathinaikos.
Nan was clearly the heart and soul of Panathinaikos, but they needed more than just one star to make it to the Final Four. What do you think they need to focus on to improve next season?