(c) PBA Media Bureau
The trade table is always open for business. Franchises are always looking for ways to improve their line-ups. Injuries will force the hands of the management to make moves. Losses will put pressure to contenders to jolt their line-up.
Now that we are in the last conference, this is their last opportunity to improve their line-up before the draft.
So, who are the guys that Alaska, Magnolia, NLEX, North Port, TNT and Meralco should target, specifically? Let us see.
Alaska - Raul Soyud
Alaska has been in need of additional bigmen in the last three seasons. One specific big that they are looking for is a capable outside shooter. Under coach Yeng, Soyud has shown the ability to hit outside threes. He knocked 38% of his three-pointers last conference. Other than shooting, he will also add toughness to their frontline that lacks strong bigs.
I don't think NLEX will ask for much. A 2nd rounder or maybe one of Davonn Potts and Chris Exciminiano will be enough.
Magnolia - Christian Standhardinger
I still don't see the reason why the SMC management is keeping Standhardinger in SMB uniform when Magnolia has a glaring need in their frontline. If you saw his play in the Asian games, he is basically a bigger version of Marc Pingris, with better offensive chops.
The trade package for Standhardinger could be PJ Simon, 2018 or 2019 1st round pick, a 2nd round pick and Kyle Pascual. San Miguel will be having an addition by subtraction and they will be able to add young talents with their picks.
NLEX - Roi Sumang
NLEX is missing their starting backcourt. With a pretty young core, it is just right that NLEX will target another young guy. Roi Sumang will fit their need of a playmaker. He averaged 9.1 points, 3.2 assists and 30% from behind the arc, last conference.
Cyrus Baguio could be a good offer for Blackwater. He will provide experience and mentorship to the Elite.
North Porth - Kevin Ferrer
Ferrer has been one of the forgotten amateur superstars in the PBA. His scoring prowess in UAAP has not translated in the PBA but we can argue that the biggest reason why is his role in the scheme of coach Tim Cone.
I still believe that Kevin can be one of the best forward in the league. His defense has been trending upward under coach Tim. Maybe, if he will be given the green light on offense, we will finally see a very good player on both ends of the court.
How about offering Jonathan Grey and a 2nd round pick for Kevin Ferrer and Jervy Cruz? I am pretty sure coach Pido Jarencio will be more than happy to coach the two former King Tigers.
TNT - Arwind Santos
If TNT wants to be a real threat to the throne of San Miguel and Ginebra, they may need to trade for these old impactful guys that will not cost them that much. The best fit for them will be Arwind Santos.
Spiderman is already 37 years old. He is still effective but I do not think San Miguel really see him as a part of their core by the 2020-2021 season. Even with his age though, his fluidity, defense, shooting and rebounding is still there.
I do not think San Miguel will ask for a 1st round for Arwind. RR Garcia and a 2nd round pick could be enough to get him.
Meralco - Raymond Almazan
Meralco is reliant on their imports because they do not have a local bigman who can lead their team on offense and defense. Ranidel de Ocampo is one of the best power forward in the history of the league but I do not believe that he is still one of the top 15 bigs today.
Raymond Almazan will be a franchise-changing acquisition. His ability to protect the rim will quickly magnify their defense. With Newsome, Hodge, Canaleta and Dillinger all capable of switching, adding Almazan as their final line of defense will be incredible.
On offense, his ability to hit threes will provide a wider paint to penetrate for their guards. He can also zap the defense with his rim-running ability.
Meralco should offer their 2019 1st round pick for Raymond.That is a huge price to pay but he basically represents a Unicorn in basketball that can propel their franchise to elite status.
Comments
Post a Comment