WHAT IF? Cyrus Baguio-to-NLEX deal, happened?

(c) PBA Media Bureau

NLEX made a trade bonanza last week. Alex Mallari, Larry Fonacier and JR Quinahan will now be the main cogs of coach Yeng Guiao. One guy that he coveted, but the trade did not materialize, was Cyrus Baguio!

Yes, coach Yeng's targets were his former disciples. Why not? Coach Yeng knows how to use them already to win games. 

Cyrus Baguio is one of the best players he handled! When they were together in the mid-2000, Skyrus was being used in the same sentence as The Spark! 

Unfortunately, the reunion did not happen. But, what could have transpired if Phoenix and NLEX managed to pull it through?

What could have been the trade?

According to my research, it was Cyrus Baguio for two 2nd round picks with some rotation players, involved. 

For me, that could have been a much better trade than the Fonacier and Quinahan skirmish that they did. 

Imagine if they did the Baguio trade instead of the Fonacier-Quinahan trade. NLEX will have a much better rotation of:
PG - Mallari

SG - Baguio

SF - Anthony

PF - Chism

C - Taulava

With Lanete and Guinto on the bench.

Baguio is molding his game to fit-in with the current trend as his 3FG% is above average this season, 37%. With his above average slashing ability and good vision, Baguio could have been a much better fit with the team.

How about Phoenix?

Matthew Wright will finally take full control of the squad. His 26 minutes playing time will surely reach the 30 minutes level which will be a positive for the present and future of the team.