(c) PBA Media Bureau
Magnolia and Alaska still have six and seven games left, respectively. Both teams are not yet at their peak at this point due to injuries and underwhelming play.
Both teams are also known to value chemistry but at the middle of the tournament, there are some obvious paths to improve their respective squads.
NLEX, on the other hand, was looking to shake-up their guard rotation. Coach Yeng expressed his willingness to make a trade but as of now, nothing has come to fruition.
MAGNOLIA - Bigman who can shoot
Magnolia's lack of size is coming into focus in this All Filipino conference. Although Marc Pingris' return would be a huge boost, his injury concerns and age may still hinder him from filling up the hole. Other than Rodney Brondial, they do not have a healthy big who shoots from beyond the arc.
Combine those two needs and there is an obvious target for them, Kelly Nabong. Even with the depth of the frontline of San Miguel, coach Leo Austria is still giving 15.4 minutes to Kelly because of his unique blend of physicality and shooting. Two things that Magnolia need.
ALASKA - A Bigman
One of the most mind-boggling decision in the offseason was Alaska letting Marion Magat walk for nothing. They basically did that to make room for MJ Ayaay and maybe Abel Galiguez, two young guards. I did not understand why their management failed to see either the promise that Magat showed in his brief playing times last season or the fact that bigs are way more valuable than guards.
Although Alaska is playing well again, it is hard to bet on them getting to the finals because of their lackluster frontline rotation. So, they better upgrade it.
NLEX - A starting caliber guard
Coach Yeng was right, they need a starting caliber guard. Who can they target at this point? He has a lot of choices. It will greatly depend on the value of the package that he is willing to give up.
He may try Justin Melton or Rashawn McCarthy. Melton has been at the end of the deep guard rotation of Magnolia but he can actually start because of his impressive defense and acceptable level of offense.
Rashawn McCarthy is the current partner of CJ Perez in carrying Columbian Dyip. His current production of 12.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.5 steals per game should be enough for you to see how good he is.
If coach Yeng is willing to give up multiple second round pick, he can ask for those two guys.
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