Olympiacos: 'First' for Montero

That summer was empty, but data never rests. While most European basketball teams are still grappling with incomplete rosters, Olympiacos has sent a clear signal: nearly the entire squad is ready for the preparation phase. And among the new arrivals, Jean Montero is the most notable name. Head coach Georgios Bartzokas is gradually bringing the team into a normal preparation rhythm. Having almost all players available at this point is not just an administrative detail; it is a measurable operational advantage. In a context where many EuroLeague teams are still struggling with late-summer roster turnover, Olympiacos's ability to begin installing its tactical system with a near-optimal squad is a valuable head start. Montero, born in 2026, arrived on September 2nd and had his first training session just a day later. This urgency is not accidental. It signals that the coaching staff is prioritizing his integration into the system before competitive games begin. This is a strategic decision, not merely a scheduling matter. The tournament in Crete from September 4th to 6th will be the first test. With Fenerbahçe, Armani Milan, and Red Star participating, this is high-quality opposition for Bartzokas to test his rotation options. I have followed many preseasons, and I can say this: results from these games rarely reflect regular-season form, but they are a mirror of the team's physical readiness and early cohesion. The key lies in the contrast. Montero's playing style, which leans toward attacking and ball dominance, will contrast with Bartzokas's structured, ball-movement-heavy system. This fit is an unknown. Will Montero become a perfect piece or a variable that needs time to adjust? Data from his previous season at Valencia shows a solid scorer, but his efficiency and playmaking at the EuroLeague level remain a big question mark. Chaos on the court always has an underlying order. Olympiacos's acquisition of a young player like Montero, alongside experienced pillars like Thomas Walkup and Kostas Sloukas, reveals a dual strategy: competing immediately while building for the future. This is a financially demanding equation, especially with the new EuroLeague salary cap rules. But with strong financial backing, Olympiacos appears to be betting on a multi-year contention cycle. The pressure of being labeled the 'most attention-grabbing signing' can be a double-edged sword. A good performance in Crete could generate positive media momentum, but it could also inflate expectations before the regular season begins. Conversely, a quiet performance could lead to premature skepticism. I have witnessed too many such cases in my career. The real question is not whether Montero has talent, but whether he can adapt to a system that demands discipline and collective ball movement. That is a question of adaptation, and the answer will begin to unfold from the very first days in Crete. Every number I touch has a scar, and Montero's story at Olympiacos is just beginning to be written.