By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A viral social media craze has intersected with massive ambitions of Panathinaikos Aktor owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos.
On Sunday evening, the 52-year-old Greek businessman once again captured attention with a digital nod toward NBA superstar Nikola Jokic.
Joining an artificial intelligence trend that transforms public figures into Playmobil toy characters, he shared a cartoon figure of himself at a desk pondering the budget needed to lure the Denver Nuggets center to Athens.
The post reflects his public admiration for the Joker. The Greens boss ranks the Serbian superstar among the top players of all time and wants him to suit up for the Greek team.
Beyond his NBA dominance over recent years, including a championship run in 2023, Jokic has deep ties to FIBA basketball and follows developments at the club level as well. The Sombor native naturally serves as the leader of the Serbian senior national team. His regular presence in international tournaments cements his status across Europe.
Nevertheless, he remains a dream target for Panathinaikos. Despite the constant buzz, this pursuit is widely considered nearly impossible.
Giannakopoulos has admitted that the structural barriers are too high. He previously noted that the obstacle is not team funding, but that the NBA framework would never allow an active global icon and multiple-time Most Valuable Player to leave for Europe.
Drafted into the NBA with the 41st overall pick, Jokic has since transformed the Nuggets and redefined the role of a passing center, earning three season MVP awards and eight All-Star selections.
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