Talk n Text - Rain or Shine Trade Analysis: One sided or not?

Surprise, surprise. The Commissioner's Office of the PBA has establish a higher standards for the two conglomerates in the PBA, the MVP group and the SMC squads. 

To consummate the deal, centered around Jericho Cruz, they asked TNT to add Kris Rosales to the package. TNT agreed and that made it official.

So, which team won the deal? How will the deal impact each team?

Let us see.

TNT

Received: Jericho Cruz
Sent: Sidney Onwubere, 2018 1st, Kris Rosales

TNT badly wants to jolt their team. They are on the midst of a struggle, as Jayson Castro is now on the full grasp of father time, and Troy Rosario is battling injuries. Unfortunately, they paid for the wrong guy.

They do not need another guard. The Castro, Garcia, Reyes, Pogoy foursome is more than capable of handling themselves against any backcourt. 

 Nonetheless, the much deeper guard rotation will make them better. The size of Cruz makes him capable of playing the 3 for at least four minutes of continuous play. That versatility, should improved their offense. 

Unfortunately, I think they overpaid. I am a big believer of Sidney. I think, he has one of the highest ceiling in that draft.

And then, they even gave up the 2018 1st. With the way TNT is playing, that pick will end up in the 6-9 range. In that range, the percentage of getting starting caliber players, is very high. 

And, why did they pay that much for a player who is already asking for a trade? Rain or Shine do not have any leverage. Cruz is not even playing well, to say that their current run will be affected by his departure.

Overall, that was not that bad for TNT. Especially if we consider that players groomed by coach Yeng has untapped potentials,  promulgated by the minutes distribution scheme of coach Yeng.

Grade: C

Rain or Shine

Received: Sidney Onwubere, 2018 1st, Kris Rosales

Sent: Jericho Cruz

Kudos to Rain or Shine for being patient. They waited for the right deal to come and they got a very good one.

Sidney Onwubere has all the tools to become special in the PBA. He is strong, athletic, energetic and he has good defensive instinct. I think, TNT did not play him that much because, coach Nash Racela has trusted veterans in the rotation.

Rain or Shine SF rotation is much deeper in numbers. They have Borboran, Yap, Norwood and Trollano. But, the first three on the list are already on their last last few playing seasons. Meaning, the franchise should start to groom a player that can replace them on the future.

That 2018 1st is vital for a team who has a limited amount of spending power. Why? Because rookie contracts are much lower than the contracts being paid to good caliber players. 

The 2018 draft is not looking to be deep in bigmen, that they badly need, but they will surely get a quality player there. 

And, Rain or Shine will not feel his absence. His role in the team has been diminishing that he is only producing 2.0 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists this season. 

And even with those numbers, the team is winning and may even avoid a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the quarterfinals. 

Overall, Rain or Shine was fantastic in this trade. Getting a high upside value for a guard who already wants out of the franchise.

Grade: A