Paris Basketball head into the 2026/27 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague season with the task of taking the next step after a campaign in which the French project showed it could compete, but without the consistency needed to push into the upper half of the standings. Entering its third straight year in Europe's top competition, the Parisian club return with a reshaped roster and the ambition to make the Adidas Arena a genuine home-court advantage.
Summer brought significant movement in the rotation. Lamar Stevens and Derek Willis both left for Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade, Justin Robinson moved to Barça, and Ismael Bako, Yakuba Ouattara and Ilian Moungalla departed on expired contracts. Incoming were Frank Ntilikina from Partizan, Terry Tarpey from AS Monaco Basket, youngsters Nobel Boungou-Colo and Pereira Maozinha, plus T.J. Warren to bolster the perimeter scoring. The core of the project remains built around Nadir Hifi as the backcourt leader.
Hifi was the team's most impactful player in the 2025/26 EuroLeague, averaging 18.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists over 37 games. His ability to create his own shot and punish in transition remains the offensive axis of the side. Alongside him, Sebastian Herrera contributed 7.6 points per game in 36 outings last season, while Ntilikina's arrival adds international experience and a defensive profile at the point that can complement the playmaking duties.
Warren's signing raises the team's scoring ceiling on the wing. The American arrives with NBA experience and the ability to deliver in key moments from the perimeter and off the dribble. Together with Tyson Etienne, Jared Rhoden, Alize Johnson, Jeremy Morgan and Daulton Hommes, he gives coach options across all three positions, while Allan Dokossi and Maozinha Pereira provide interior presence. Tarpey, fresh from Monaco, adds defensive and athletic value on the wing.
Paris Basketball's identity continues to rest on high tempo, full-court defensive pressure and fast transitions. Preseason signs have been positive, including a convincing win over Menorca (95-62) in their second friendly with a full squad. The main strength lies in backcourt depth and Hifi's ability to take over games individually.
The risks are clear. The youth of players such as Boungou-Colo and the lack of recent statistics for several signings create uncertainty about the roster's true level in official competition. Losing key interior pieces and Robinson's departure raise questions about backup playmaking and rim protection. EuroLeague demands also punish teams that fail to find defensive continuity early in the season.
From an editorial standpoint, Paris Basketball should aim to improve on last season's position and fight for a playoff or play-in spot, provided the rotation gels quickly. The Round 2 clash against Partizan, with familiar faces on both sides, will be an early test of quality. Making the Adidas Arena a fortress will be essential to reaching that goal.
The schedule opens on 24 September at the OAKA against Panathinaikos BC, a demanding stage to begin the campaign. Paris then host Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on 29 September, Zalgiris Kaunas on 1 October and LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne on 7 October. In the second half of October they visit Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, welcome Valencia Basket and close the month in Dubai. The first eight games present a mixed start, with home opportunities to string wins together.
