The latest trade in the PBA features six players changing uniforms for the upcoming 38th season. And the teams involved are half the number of squads in the league : Alaska, Ginebra, Barako, Petron and GlobalPort. This one will definitely shake things up in PBA.
So let's see who came out on top and who struck out in this gigantic deal.
Winners:
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| Alaska Aces logo |
Alaska
The Alaska Aces know what they're doing. They took advantage of LA Tenorio's uprising in the Jones Cup where he played big time and won the tournament MVP award. Right after that, his trade value went on a crazy level. Mr. Uytengsu did not waste time to use it so he can get two solid starters in JV Casio and Dondon Hontiveros. Youth and experience combined is a welcome addition for the new look Aces.
LA Tenorio and BGSM
He is the man of the moment and it will continue even more as he suits up for the most popular ball club in the league, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Expect showtime as Ginebra injects new blood in the lineup.
Petron
The Petron Blaze Boosters helped their sister team in this trade. But it also helps them unload Hontiveros to somehow ease the squad's problematic player rotation.
Enrico Villanueva
Just like John Wilson and KG Canaleta, Rico will get more playing time with his new team. When he was with Ginebra, it's either a DNP-Coach's decision or limited minutes.
Losers:
| GlobalPort team logo |
GlobalPort
Some may think GlobalPort also won in this deal. Well, you got a point. But for me, trading your no.1 pick for an ageing 2-time MVP is senseless. I understand Mikee Romero's vision of win-now philosophy. And he really has this affection for Miller. But he said it will take two years to rebuild his team, meaning he's not yet done with player movements. The most important thing to note, Willie Miller will be 37 by that time if my math is right.
Barako
Seriously, where do you think this team is headed? Are they following Powerade's foot steps? Or are they the long lost, adopted sister of the SMC family? Hope not. But they're showing some signs.
Hans Thiele and Wesley Gonzales
These two gentlemen might be headed to ABL. Or if they make it to the final roster, don't expect minutes and exposure for these guys. If you're a non-superstar player, your wish is not to be traded to Petron or Ginebra.
Overall, Alaska and LA Tenorio's new team Ginebra San Miguel won this trade. The Aces are younger and will surely make a big impact in the 38th season. For Ginebra, they finally got what they wanted since Helterbrand and Cortez are catching up to father time.
Overall, Alaska and LA Tenorio's new team Ginebra San Miguel won this trade. The Aces are younger and will surely make a big impact in the 38th season. For Ginebra, they finally got what they wanted since Helterbrand and Cortez are catching up to father time.
ABL is where they may be headed. Like with Petron picking up Hubalde, only to put him in ABL. With Barako, same thoughts. If they are bent on being competitive, why such player transactions? Good thing with Air21, after the Baclao acquisition, unheard of na sila sa mga trades. High hopes for Coach Franz to lead the re-building process of Air 21. Just remembered there was a time the team was harvest rich come draft time and they had David-Santos-Ranidel triumvirate. Then things fell apart after each trade and now, they have none.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the same thoughts as mine. Air 21 improved its lineup this off season but their rebuilding process has a long way to go. They had to give up their possible no.1 pick to Ginebra which could be Greg Slaughter.
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