JP Erram is suddenly one of the hottest names in the rumor mill after the #1 source of PBA trade rumors revealed that he is on his way to Meralco.
The confusion now is, another credible source is claiming that he is not going to Meralco but to TNT. Reporters have already asked coach Mark Dickel about the rumor and he did not totally deny it but instead told the media that having a JP Erram will be a big boost for the team.
The question is, which MVP team needs JP Erram more?
Let us evaluate the two franchises.
TITLE CONTENTION
Which team will have a better chance of winning the crown if they get JP Erram? Meralco will form one of the most interesting frontlines in the league with JP Erram and Raymond Almazan. I really believe that this is the type of frontline that can overcome the star power of the San Miguel Corporation franchises.
TNT has been a great contender even without a star center. Logically, adding one should complete their team. They are also lacking a rim protector. I do not think though that TNT with JP Erram is a better contender than Meralco with JP because they heavily rely on their wings and guards.
I think Meralco will be a better contender with JP.
FRONTLINE DEPTH
TNT: Troy Rosario-Yousef Taha-Kelly Williams-Marion Magat-Harvey Carey-Frank Golla-Lervin Flores
MERALCO: Raymond Almazan-Jason Ballesteros-Cliff Hodge-Ranidel de Ocampo- Reynel Hugnatan-Raymar Jose
Believe it or not but TNT actually has a pretty deep frontline. What they lack in their frontline is star power which JP will surely provide. Other than Troy Rosario, they are also looking for a stretch-big. On the other hand, Meralco already has a fully settled depth. Almazan and Ballesteros is a good combo for their center position. Their power forward spot should be pretty secured with their depth.
So, in terms of frontline depth, TNT needs him more.
SYSTEM / ROSTER
Which one will fit his style better? If he goes to Meralco Bolts, coach Norman will create a new defensive scheme for a twin tower combination. The great thing about JP and Raymond is that both are agile and long enough that they should not affect the defense of their guards and wings and that both can go to the perimeter. Offensively, the spacing will be pretty great because both are capable of hitting the three-point shot. Knowing that no other teams out there have twin towers that can play together for a long time, there is a good chance that Meralco will always have an advantage that they can maximize with the giants on the court.
On the other hand, JP will be a great partner for Troy Rosario. Rosario has been a perimeter-oriented bigman for a while. So, having a capable rim protector will magnify him. I can see JP taking the role of Terrence Jones in the defensive scheme that they did in the 2019 Commissioner's Cup. Offensively, JP will be a great pick-and-roll partner for Bobby Ray Parks and Jayson Castro.
Overall, I think JP will be a better fit for TNT because his role will be much clearer.
OVERALL
Adding all of those three, JP is much better headed to TNT than Meralco Bolts.
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