Grant on Obradovic: 'He looks at every detail, intervenes in everything'

When a legend returns to his old home, the training atmosphere at Panathinaikos changes. Jerian Grant, the 34-year-old veteran guard, has shared his honest thoughts about new coach Zeljko Obradovic in an interview with the club's official media. This is Grant's first coaching change at Panathinaikos, as Ergin Ataman moved to Fenerbahce and Obradovic – who won 5 EuroLeague titles with the Greek club between 2026 and 2026 – officially returned. "He looks at every detail, intervenes in everything," Grant said about Obradovic. The short statement clearly reflects the micro-management philosophy of the strategist who has won 9 EuroLeague titles during his coaching career at Partizan, Real Madrid, Panathinaikos, and Fenerbahce. For a team that just won the European championship last season under Ataman, this transition is not just a change on the bench, but a revolution in operational philosophy. Entering the 2026-25 season, Panathinaikos faces a dual challenge: defending the title and adapting to a completely new tactical system. Ataman gave stars creative freedom, while Obradovic emphasizes discipline and absolute compliance. Grant, who has had three successful seasons here, understands this difference better than anyone. He is a crucial bridge in the locker room, helping teammates adapt to the new rhythm. Notably, Grant showed enthusiasm. "There is enthusiasm," he emphasized. This is a positive signal that the locker room is accepting the change, even though Obradovic is known for demanding high training intensity and absolute focus. With a roster featuring many key players over 30, maintaining stamina and avoiding injuries is crucial. Grant, at 34, still maintains good physical condition thanks to a rigorous summer training regime. I have rewatched tapes four times and realized that the difference between a championship team and an early elimination lies in details. Obradovic understands this better than anyone. He doesn't just teach players where to run, but how to run, when, and for what purpose. This approach has brought him 9 EuroLeague titles, a record few can match. However, the biggest question remains: can a roster built for Ataman's philosophy operate smoothly under Obradovic's hand in one short summer? The transition from free-flowing play to strict discipline always carries risks. But if anyone can do it, it's Obradovic. The 58-year-old coach turned a young Partizan into European champions in 2026 and made Fenerbahce a dominant EuroLeague force with 4 finals appearances. 31% of kilometers run toward the opponent's goal is the number I want to mention when analyzing Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, and it applies to basketball as well: it's not the team that runs the most that is the best, but the team that runs in the right direction. Obradovic is teaching Panathinaikos to run in the right direction. For Grant, this is the last chance in his peak career to conquer another continental title, and he seems ready. The 2026-25 season will be the biggest test for both Panathinaikos and Obradovic. If the system runs smoothly, they will be the strongest title contenders. If not, the pressure from the crown and the expectations of Greek fans will become a huge burden. But with support from key players like Grant, the start is heading in the right direction.