Now that we are down to the last series of the Philippine Cup, the 2018 Commissioner's Cup is only around the corner.
Of course, the biggest flavor in the upcoming tournament are the behemoth imports. TNT and NLEX are bringing NBA veterans in the Philippines. While Phoenix will rely on a veteran PBA import. Did they made the right choices?
Let us see.
Phoenix Fuel Masters - James White
In his 16 games stint in the league under the banner of Mahindra, White is averaging 26.1 points, 52.9% FG, 14.6 rebounds and 2.2 blocks. James is an athlete, who toys around majority of the Filipino bigs and even some of the imports.
Phoenix was not good on defending the rim in the Philippine Cup and they are fantastic on the perimeter. They only allowed 29.6% from the outside the arc. They were also good in disrupting the passing lanes with their 10.4 steals per game, top in the league.
So, they added an import that will fill the holes on their defense. He is capable of defending the rim from drives, but he will not be capable of defending post-ups for the entire game.
Grade: B
NLEX Road Warriors - Arnett Moultrie
Coach Yeng Guaio went with a real big big man, once again. He played 59 games in the NBA for the Philiadelphia 76ers. He is capable of shooting midrange shots and he have some legit post moves. Rebounding wise, he is noting special. But with his size, he will be a factor.
On defense, I think he is average. He should be able to hold his forth against post-up but in terms of protecting the rim against drive, he will not be consistent.
In his last international stint, Arnett produced 16.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 45.4% FG.
I think, coach Yeng went for him because of his size and scoring ability. But, I don't think that is the real need of NLEX. They should have went for more of an athletic guy who can make great cuts and who can make passes.
Although, the choice could mean that they will further slowdown their game and try to bully teams inside and provide better picks for Kiefer Ravena and their wings.
Grade: D
TNT Ka-Tropa - Jeremy Tyler
He is a legit NBA veteran. He played for three seasons in the NBA, for 104 games and 1,034 minutes. His per36 minutes of 13.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks is nothing special.
But in his recent International stint in the NBL, he manufactured 13.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 blocks and 56.2% FG.
He is not that athletic, but he is very skilled. One of his most promising skill will be his midrange shot. It is a consistent shot, that TNT can rely on.
Jeremy is an efficient scorer, which TNT badly needs. Out of their nine players who played more than 20 minutes a game, only four of them shot 40% or better in the field.
The bad news is, he is not reliable on the defensive end. Fortunately, they have the 2nd best defensive rating.
So, TNT address their efficiency on the offensive end, and TNT should be able to incorporate a skilled big on their defense.
Grade: C
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