Goodbye, NBA, 31-year-old forward enters European basketball, career turnaround caused a sigh

Greek giants Panasinaikos officially announced that they will officially sign former NBA inside player Rijon Holmes, with a contract of two years, with a salary of 2.35 million euros (about 2.736 million US dollars) in the first year and 2.5 million euros (about 2.911 million US dollars) in the second year, including player options in the second year, and Holmes also has an NBA jump clause next summer.

This signing marks a major turning point in Holmes's career - this veteran who has played in the NBA for 9 seasons finally chose to go to Europe to start a new chapter in his basketball career.

Panasinaikos has been actively recruiting former NBA players in recent years, including Kendrick Nunn, Juan Hernangomez, etc., and successfully defeated Real Madrid in 2024 to win the European Basketball League championship.

Their original target was Valanciunas during this offseason, but the Nuggets refused to buy out. In the end, the team turned their attention to Holmes, and Nunn's active recruitment also led to the signing.

Homes' NBA career began in 2015, and was selected by the 76ers in the second round, and then went to the Suns, Kings, Mavericks and Wizards. His peak period was at the Kings, who averaged 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in the 2020-21 season, with a shooting percentage of up to 63.7%, and thus received a four-year, $55 million contract.

However, after being traded to the Mavericks in 2023, his role was greatly reduced, playing only 23 games, averaging 3.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, and was eventually sent to the Wizards. Last season at the Wizards, he averaged 7.4 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, but the team still chose to cut him, causing him to miss his last year's salary of $13.03 million.

Although there are still NBA teams (such as the Hawks, Cavaliers, Warriors, and Heat) who are interested in him, Holmes eventually chose Panathinaikos' high-paying contract. This contract of 4.85 million euros after tax is converted into an NBA salary of $10 million for two years, far exceeding the veteran's basic salary ($3.63 million before tax).

Homes' departure reflects to some extent the NBA's cruel reality against a short inside player - despite his strong finishing ability and excellent rebounding sense, his height of 2.03 meters and defensive shortcomings gradually marginalize him in the league. Former NBA player JJ Redick once commented on him: "Homes is full of energy and can influence the game through toughness, offensive rebounds and running."

As for the future, Holmes retains the possibility of jumping out of his contract and returning to the NBA next summer, he will be 32 years old by then. For a short insider who relies on athletic talent and has shortcomings in defense, it is almost inevitable that the decline in the state after the age of 30 is almost inevitable. It is full of unknowns whether he can find a foothold in the NBA.

But no matter what, can this former "king hero" rejuvenate for a second spring in the European arena? Let's wait and see!