By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Olympiacos targets Dallas Mavericks guard John Poulakidas, but archrivals Panathinaikos could soon enter the race for his signature.
The 23-year-old sharpshooter intends to spend at least one more season in the NBA before making a move overseas.
Given his Greek heritage, Poulakidas is actively pursuing a Greek passport, which would make him a valuable domestic asset for both EuroLeague giants.
The former Yale standout has opened up about his ongoing efforts to secure this documentation, a milestone that would also grant him eligibility for the senior national team of Greece. The Illinois native, who signed a two-way deal with Dallas last March after going undrafted in 2025, remains focused on representing his ancestral homeland on the FIBA stage.
For now, the young backcourt player is focusing on his development in the United States. During the 2025–26 NBA Regular Season, he logged his first 13 appearances, tallying an impressive 8.8 points on 42.9% shooting from the floor and a stellar 40.3% from beyond the arc. He added 2.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks per contest, proving his efficiency at the highest level.
Poulakidas is currently refining his game in a strong European contingent at Dallas. The Mavs additionally carry Spain’s Sergio de Larrea and Santi Aldama, Great Britain’s Tobi Lawal, Turkiye’s Tarik Biberovic, and France’s Zaccharie Risacher heading into the 2026–27 Regular Season. Joining forces with his international teammates during the recent Summer League provided an ideal setting for his continued growth.
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