New number 1 in Euroleague?

I have considered Panathinaikos the favorite to win the league since I found out that Panathinaikos is hosting the Final 4 of 2025-2026 Euroleague. Lately however they've been in a bit of turmoil. They've lost multiple games in a row, and their owner came out saying that the guys were all out two nights before the game and the whole team isn't connected with 1 goal to win. If it wasn't for them hosting the Final 4, and with how crazy gate 13 is at their stadium, I would be backing off them big time. I'd say there's a clear new number 1 in the Euroleague. The actual number 1 is Hapoel Tel Aviv, but I have been cautious to buy into the hype. Yes Elijah Bryant is a good player, however if they play Monaco or Panathinaikos the other team will have the best player on the court at all times. And to me will have a better team. It's like the Hawks when they were the 1 seed. Ok.... You might've won a lot of games but once it matters we are buying that.

Monaco however, seems to all be on the same page, sharing the ball, averaging more assists than any other team. In my opinion they are more complete than any other team too. From their number 1 player, Mike James, down to about 8 or 9, they have an absolute unit with no holes. Kevarrius Hayes is one of the best defenders in the league but his offensive play is coming on now. Ellie Okobo has been lights out shooting lately, and Nikola Mirotic will be hitting 3's in his grave. They got 3 unreal guards in MJ, Okobo, and Strazel. Got the wings in Diallo, Blossomgame, and Mirotic. And the bigs in Their and Hayes. They got the coach to win it all too in former Euroleague leading scorer Vasilis Spinoulis (before Mike James passed him). They have the experience of being in a final last year and no what to change this year to get over the hump. Last year though was on a neutral floor in Dubai, and this year they'll have to go into Athens and face gate 13. If Panathinaikos is to lose earlier, it's a no brainer for me Monaco is walking away with a trophy. Mike James would be the unanimous Euroleague GOAT too. Although Monaco won at Panathinaikos already this year, that damn gate 16 is a beast and you have to respect it.

Basketball and baseball seasons are always pretty up and down because of how many games there are. In football you have to stay consistent, but in basketball it's about peaking at the right time. We will see if Pana turns up their jets when it's time to, but as of now Monaco looks like they got the form and firepower to be the best team in the Euroleague this year.