As the basketball offseason heats up, Olimpia Milano is orchestrating a significant overhaul, placing a clear emphasis on dynamic backcourt talent. The Italian powerhouse is making waves with the impending arrival of Lorenzo Brown and the official confirmation of Marko Guduric, signaling a strong intent to compete at the highest levels.
Lorenzo Brown
Backcourt Reinforcements: Brown and Guduric Form Potent Duo
The spotlight is firmly on the guard positions as Milano builds its roster. The latest key addition is the experienced American-Spanish playmaker, 34-year-old Lorenzo Brown. Formerly of Panathinaikos, Brown is currently undergoing medical tests in Milan, expected to conclude today. A recent call-up to Sergio Scariolo`s Spanish national team underscores his continued relevance on the international stage.
Brown arrives as Milano`s primary choice to lead the offense, complementing existing guards like Mannion and Ellis. Known for his intelligence, character, and vast experience, Brown possesses top-tier court vision and ball-handling skills that often lead to spectacular plays. His two seasons with Maccabi (2022-2024) saw him average nearly 6 assists per game in the Euroleague, earning him a spot on the All-Euroleague First Team in 2023. Adding to his pedigree, he played 26 games for the Toronto Raptors during their 2018/19 NBA championship season. While his past season at Panathinaikos under coach Ataman saw him with a reduced role, a move was mutually beneficial, especially with TJ Shorts arriving in Athens. His scoring ability is as reliable as it is creative.
Joining Brown to form a potentially devastating backcourt partnership is the officially confirmed Marko Guduric. The 30-year-old Serbian guard/forward arrives from Fenerbahce following a season where he contributed to the club`s domestic success and Euroleague Final Four appearance. Guduric is a formidable player, particularly renowned for his ability to hit crucial shots under pressure. His versatility allows him to cover multiple perimeter positions, using his high basketball IQ to read the game effectively. As a leader, he averaged 11 points last season with a solid 37.8% from three-point range. His arrival is also seen as a way to inject mental fortitude into the team, addressing some inconsistencies from the previous campaign.
Guduric expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am happy, excited about the opportunity. Milan is a legendary club, well-organized, and I have only heard excellent things about it. I can`t wait to wear the Olimpia red jersey in front of our fans. The first goal will be to build a bond with my teammates, essential to win as much as possible.” He joins captain Shavon Shields (entering his sixth season), Johannes Voigtmann (Brooks, showing growth), and Giordano Bortolani (Bolmaro, a defensive linchpin) in the perimeter group. Stefano Tonut has renewed his contract, while Davide Flaccadori`s situation is still being evaluated.
Frontcourt Dynamics and Potential Additions
Milano`s moves aren`t limited to the backcourt. Center Josh Nebo, whose first season in Milan was hampered by injuries, is expected to be a vital piece, almost like a new acquisition once fully healthy. Joining him in the paint is American forward/center Devin Booker, arriving from Bayern Munich.
At the power forward position, Zach LeDay is expected to remain after a strong season, albeit with a dip in performance during the playoffs. Olimpia is actively seeking a complementary player for LeDay, with Slovenian forward Vlatko Cancar high on their list. The 28-year-old Cancar, standing 203 cm (6`8″), spent the last five seasons in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, playing 143 games and winning a title in 2023. Bringing him back to Europe is a clear objective. Cancar is also a cornerstone of the Slovenian national team, a 2017 Eurobasket champion who averaged 11.6 points in the 2022 edition.
In the center rotation, while Guglielmo Caruso`s future might lie away from Milan, Leonardo Totè is a name the club is reportedly considering as a potential replacement. Ismael Kamagate (referred to as Diop in the source) is expected to remain a fixture in the lineup.
A Summer of Transformation
With the addition of established Euroleague stars like Brown and Guduric, coupled with strategic moves in the frontcourt, Olimpia Milano is clearly signaling its ambitions. The roster is being built with depth, versatility, and a focus on experienced, high-impact players. The hope is that these significant signings will provide the quality and leadership needed to challenge for honors both domestically and in the demanding Euroleague landscape. As always in Milan during the summer, expectations are high for the upcoming season.
Murray Blackwood