Dubai Basketball announced today that it has sealed a multi‑year agreement with Thomas Walkup, a 33‑year‑old Greek international, to join the club for the 2026/27 season. The deal marks a strategic reinforcement for a team that already holds the ABA League title and is eager to break into Europe’s premier competition.
Walkup's Defensive Impact
Walkup arrives bringing a reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable defenders. He was crowned EuroLeague Best Defender in 2024 and led the league in steals during the 2022/23 campaign, while his 2025/26 season saw him contribute 5.3 points, 5.7 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game as Olympiacos captured the EuroLeague championship by defeating Real Madrid.
His professional journey began in Germany with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg, where he earned All‑German BBL First Team honors in 2018, before moving to Zalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania, where he collected the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019. Brief stints in the NBA with the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls preceded his return to Europe, where he has amassed five seasons with Olympiacos.
The addition of Walkup bolsters a Dubai roster that has already proven its mettle in the ABA League. By pairing his defensive acumen with the club’s existing talent, the organization aims to translate its domestic success into a sustained presence in the EuroLeague, a goal that has been pursued through a collaborative framework with Olympiacos.
Dubai Basketball and Olympiacos have entered a partnership designed to foster the growth of the EuroLeague’s franchise model, a collaboration that underscores both clubs’ commitment to expanding the competition’s reach and commercial profile.
Dejan Kamenjasevic, president of Dubai Basketball, praised the signing, stating that Walkup’s defensive skill set and experience at the highest European level will elevate the team’s performance and help achieve its ambitious targets.