Did Star just loss in a trade?

When did the last time that the majority of the PBA universe see an SMC team, losing a trade?

The moment Allein Maliksi and Chris Javier for Kyle Pascual and Bam Gamalinda was locked, a lot of people saw Star, losing.

Who could blame them? Allein Maliksi is averaging 13.4 points and 42.7% from beyond the arc this season. Yes, he is a legit gunner from the outside.

Actually, he has been in his whole career. His career mark from beyond the arc is 41%. That is an insane rate in the PBA!

And may I also add that Allein is still at his pick, being only 29 years old.

On the other hand, Star got a reliable veteran in Bam Gamalinda. He is a hardworking veteran who is slowly developing an outside shot. His defense is also legit.

They also got Kyle Pascual. Blackwater had been grooming him from the start but it seems that the guy has stagnated and he is now a full-grown 27 years old. The potential is not as high as before.

So, is a veteran-gritty-developing veteran and a stagnant prospect equivalent for a sure-fire shooter and a low-ceiling rookie in Chris Javier?

I don't think so. Especially if you realize that Maliksi is not really a scrub on defense. He has a respectable mark on defensive rating this season. And if you watch him defend, he is not a pushover on skills, feel and intangibles.