We are almost two weeks into the Governors' Cup. It is shaping up to be a unique conference story with the struggle of Meralco Bolts, the rise of Phoenix Fuel Masters and the revenge tour of San Miguel Beermen.
I expect trades to happen during the conference as teams try to prepare for the next season or help themselves in this race.
Just to clear things up, this is not a trade-rumor mill! I am not suggesting that these teams are really communicating to make these trades. These are just my suggestions as for their best trade targets in this Governors' Cup!
Ginebra - Mike Cortez
Ginebra is one of the few teams that need a pure point guard. Mike Cortez should be able to do the job. He knows how to play the scheme of coach Tim. He can shoot from the outside which is still a need for Ginebra.
He also has the playoff experience like Jeff Chan, their recent acquisition. And the best thing about him will be the price that they will need to pay. Aljon Mariano or a distant 2nd round pick could be enough.
San Miguel - a 1st round pick
I never said that all trades will be about fixing their current roster. Especially for San Miguel that does not have a glaring weakness. The reality is, trading one of their veteran core players could be the change that they need because that can provide more minutes to Brian Heruela, Matthew Rosser or Christian Standhardinger.
Columbia Dyip - draft pick
Columbia should try to get as many draft picks as possible. Why? Because they still do not have a direction. Their best trade assets are Jerramy King and Rashawn McCarthy. I am pretty sure these two guards are already on the radars of the other teams.
I am not campaigning for them to trade both. But I think, they need to trade one of them. Dyip should learn by now that the Fil-Foreign guards are underrated and getting them will be much easier than getting a quality wing and bigs. If they find a team who is willing to part with a young big or a wing with at least two 2nd round picks, I think they should consider it.
Phoenix - Raymond Almazan
With the way Phoenix is playing, Almazan could be the guy that can bolt them to the elite level. Phoenix has two 1st round picks in the upcoming draft and I don't think any of it can provide the unique bigman skills of Almazan.
Calvin Abueva and Matthew Wright are thriving as do-it-all cogs of Phoenix. With their willingness to pass, grab rebounds, defend and run hard, adding an athletic big who can run, protect the rim and shoot could make them a much complete team.
Blackwater - Arwind Santos
If San Miguel is willing to listen, Blackwater should call. Arwind Santos is the kind of wing that can complete the Elite. The number 1 thing that they need is a lockdown wing defender. Santos may not be that good already but he should be able to do that in an elite level for at least 10 minutes in a game.
His ability to block shots will further magnify the rim-protection capability of JP Erram. His knack for shooting clutch shots will also be a big help for the young squad. Other than what he will bring to the court, he can also be a mentor to Mac Belo. Both came from Far Eastern University so a connection will be built quickly.
Rain or Shine - Jonathan Grey
Rain or Shine is a very deep team. They have a pretty good frontline and a loaded backcourt. One thing that can further solidify their team is a bucket-getter. Grey could be the cheapest available scorer in the PBA.
Grey was fantastic as a bench scorer in the 2018 Commissioner's Cup. He averaged 7.0 points in 51% shooting in 14.6 minutes of play. He has also the strength, athleticism and handles to be more than a scorer.
This will also be a good chance for the Elasto Painters to send two of their end-of-the-bench guys and clear roster spots for younger players.
Comments
Post a Comment