Olympiacos: 'First' for Montero - Signals from the Preseason

When Jean Montero set foot in Athens on September 2, no one on the Olympiacos coaching staff needed to review the 21-year-old's resume. They had been tracking him for a long time. But what caught analysts' attention was not the contract itself, but the speed of integration: just one day after arriving, Montero was already at his first training session with his new teammates. In a context where many EuroLeague teams are still struggling with depleted rosters, head coach Georgios Bartzokas having nearly his full squad available at this stage is a valuable operational advantage. The context of this season is particularly unique. The EuroLeague just introduced a soft salary cap and luxury tax system for the 2026-25 season, creating unprecedented financial constraints. Olympiacos, as one of the league's biggest spenders, must balance competitive ambition with sustainability. The signing of Montero from Valencia reveals a dual strategy: rejuvenating the roster while maintaining contender status. This is not a trial signing - it is a statement of developmental direction. Tactically, Montero's presence poses an interesting question for Bartzokas. The Greek coach's system is renowned for collective play, constant ball movement, and strict positional discipline. In contrast, Montero is a ball-dominant guard who attacks directly and tends to use many shot opportunities. This contrast could be a double-edged sword: if he integrates well, he becomes the penetrating weapon the team lacks; if not, he could disrupt the established offensive rhythm. Based on my experience watching games, young players with high usage rates typically need at least 10-15 matches to adapt to the demanding tactical systems of European basketball. The Crete tournament from September 4 to 6 will be the first test. With Fenerbahçe, Armani Milan, and Red Star participating, this is not an ordinary friendly. Four EuroLeague teams competing over three consecutive days creates real competitive pressure, forcing players to quickly find common ground. Notably, the congested schedule during early preseason also carries injury risks, as players' conditioning is not yet at its peak. What I find counterintuitive here: Montero being the most talked-about arrival could create unnecessary pressure. European media tends to exaggerate preseason performances. A good game against Fenerbahçe could spark a 'breakout signing' frenzy, while a quiet game could lead to premature skepticism. But the truth is, no one can accurately assess a player's value through a few friendly matches. I have witnessed outstanding preseason performances that were not replicated in the regular season, and vice versa. From an operational standpoint, having nearly the full squad available at this stage is a positive signal. Many EuroLeague teams are still waiting for national team players to return from summer break, or resolving transfer issues. Bartzokas can start building his tactical foundation now, rather than waiting. This is especially important when the team has a new signing who needs time to adapt. One point to monitor is Montero's role in the lineup. Will he start from day one, or come off the bench? This decision will reflect the coaching staff's confidence and could affect the young player's development trajectory. For a player at Montero's ascending age, having a clearly defined role from the start is crucial. Looking ahead, this signing could be a smart 'buy-low' move. After a promising but not spectacular stint at Valencia, Montero's market value may have dipped slightly. Olympiacos could be acquiring a player whose potential far exceeds the price paid. His international experience with the Dominican Republic national team also helps him adapt to European-style physicality and rules more quickly. The biggest question is not whether Montero has talent, but whether he can adapt to Bartzokas's tactical discipline. Basketball is not just numbers. It is the stories that numbers don't know how to tell. And Montero's story at Olympiacos has only just begun. Every star has had a moment of silence before shining. My job is to listen to that silence.