(c) PBA Media Bureau
It is time to talk about the first big trade of the "offseason". Yes, the 2018 Governors' Cup finals is still ongoing but whatever. It is already offseason and teams are already preparing for the upcoming season.
Coach Yeng Guiao managed to snag a giant that he has been craving for. He gave up the quantity to get a quality big which is the primary need in the league today.
The trade was:
NLEX received JP Erram
Blackwater received Paul Desiderio and Abu Tratter
Is the trade fair? I think yes but just by a hair. Erram is already 29 years old with lingering injury issues. Without those issues, I do not think I can call this trade an acceptable one.
TEAM ANALYSIS
NLEX Road Warriors
In the angle of NLEX, I will not look at them giving up Paul Desiderio. Instead, we will go to the roots and check the package of Alex Mallari, Dave Marcelo and Abu Tratter for Erram.
I think they did well. Their biggest need is a giant. If you want to have a legit chance for a championship, you need a giant who can go toe-to-toe with the other giants in the league.
NLEX know that and they made their move. Mallari is a starting caliber player but NLEX is fine in the guard and wing position. They need someone inside.
Hold your horses though, this is not a homerun trade. As I have said above, Erram has lingering injuries. Coach Yeng should not expect him to play every game during a conference.
Grade: A
Blackwater Elite
Blackwater did what they need to do. There was a rumor in the past that JP did not want to sign the maximum offer that Elite had put in the table. This trade strengthens the belief that it was true.
In short, JP wanted out. If that was the case, what is the best package that Blackwater should try to get? How about two rookies with good potentials?
Paul has two elite things in him as a prospect. He can hit big shots. He is so young. He is only 21 years old.
With youth in his side, Blackwater can go slowly but surely on developing him. They do not need him to be the starter because Nard Pinto and Michael DiGregorio have shown that they are capable.
Other than Paul, they also grabbed the best bigman in the class. Abu Tratter will enter the PBA without the hype of Fajardo or even a Raymond Almazan.
He is also not as big as those two. What he has is good athleticism, pro-ready body and willingness to do the little things to win basketball games.
Do not forget also that Blackwater developed Erram from the ashes! Remember that Erram was not part of any roster when Blackwater signed him!
For them to develop a player that they are now cashing in for two 1st round talent is a huge success for their franchise!
Grade: A
Comments
Post a Comment