Dubai Basketball have added serious experience to their backcourt with the signing of Thomas Walkup on a multi year deal.
The 33 year-old Greek international joins from Olympiacos after five seasons in Athens, where he established himself as a tough defender and reliable playmaker at EuroLeague level.
At 1.93 metres, Walkup is not defined by huge scoring numbers. His value comes from controlling the pace, creating for teammates and defending opposing guards.
Thomas Walkup brings proven EuroLeague quality to Dubai
During the 2025/26 EuroLeague campaign, Walkup played 37 games, averaging 5.3 points, 5.7 assists and 2.6 rebounds.
But his influence is difficult to capture through numbers alone.
Across 277 EuroLeague appearances, Walkup has earned a reputation as the kind of guard coaches trust when games become tight. He can organise an offence, pressure opposing ball-handlers and contribute without needing to dominate possession.
His defensive record stands out. Walkup was named EuroLeague Best Defender in 2024 and led the competition in steals during the 2022/23 season.
For Dubai, that means adding someone capable of changing a game even when he is not scoring heavily.
Why Walkup makes sense for Dubai Basketball
Dubai Basketball’s progress has been remarkably quick since the club was established in 2023.
They head into the new season as reigning ABA League champions, and expectations have inevitably risen with that success.
EuroLeague games are often decided by small moments: a defensive stop, a turnover avoided or the right decision late in the fourth quarter.
That is where Walkup could make a difference.
Dubai Basketball general manager Dejan Kamenjasevic highlighted his competitiveness, understanding of the game and ability to improve those around him when the move was announced.
Head coach Xavi Pascual now has another guard who understands the demands of high-pressure European basketball.
Walkup’s journey from the US to European basketball
After playing college basketball in the United States, Walkup appeared for the Golden State Warriors during the 2016 NBA Summer League and later signed with the Chicago Bulls ahead of the 2016/17 season.
Europe ultimately became the place where his career took off.
Rather than building his reputation around scoring, Walkup developed into a physical, intelligent guard known for defence, playmaking and composure.
His five seasons with Olympiacos pushed him further into Europe’s basketball spotlight and gave him regular exposure to the intensity of EuroLeague competition. He also represents Greece internationally, adding another layer of big game experience.
Dubai Basketball set their sights higher for 2026/27
Winning the ABA League was an important moment for Dubai Basketball, but it also changed the conversation around the club.
The question is no longer simply how quickly Dubai can establish themselves. Attention is increasingly turning to how far they can go.
Competing regularly against Europe’s established powers demands a roster capable of handling different types of games. Some nights require scoring. Others are decided by defence, patience and control.
Walkup gives Dubai more of the latter.
His arrival should strengthen their perimeter defence while giving Pascual another experienced option for organising the team when matches become difficult.
There will be plenty of opportunities to test that progress, including major European nights at Coca-Cola Arena as Dubai continue building their presence on the continental stage.
Thomas Walkup adds substance to Dubai’s ambitions
There is an obvious temptation to judge a new signing by points per game. Walkup is a reminder that some players offer much more than a scoring average.
His best work often happens in moments that receive less attention: forcing an opponent into a difficult possession, finding an open teammate or slowing a game down when it begins to get away from his side.
Those details matter in EuroLeague basketball.
For Dubai, the signing feels less like adding another name and more like filling a specific need. Walkup brings defence, control and years of knowledge from competing at the top of the European game.
Walkup gives Dubai a player whose strengths should prove particularly valuable in tight games.
Dubai’s rise has already happened quickly. Adding a guard with Walkup’s qualities suggests the club is now thinking less about simply arriving at the highest level and more about what it will take to stay there.