Finally, Rain or Shine traded Raymond Almazan! After years of being in the rumor mill, Almazan and the Elasto Painters franchise will finally part ways as The Dark Knight is on his way to the Meralco Bolts.
According to the report that originated in Spin.ph, Rain or Shine will get two 1st round picks of the Bolts, 2019 and 2021.
The first question that should be answered is, is that enough value for an Almazan?
I think the answer is a clear yes.
Although Almazan has one of the most unique combinations of skills; three-point shooting, rim protection, rim-running and ability to defend in the perimeters, he has been inconsistent for his entire PBA career.
Just like this conference, he only produced 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 blocks, 53% FG and 27% 3FG per game.
He played 20.6 minutes per game and his numbers show a bigman who can fit any team and should be able to anchor a defense.
Unfortunately, Almazan is also injury-prone. He only played six elimination games this conference. Remember when Meralco traded for RDO and RDO missed almost an entire year because of injuries?
With Meralco finishing as the 2nd worst team of the Philippine Cup, that 2019 pick is looking like a sure top 6 in a draft that is loaded with centers.
It could even be argued that Rain or Shine received a better package that what is needed.
I certainly agree, getting Almazan in exchange for several quality bigmen entering 2019 places Rain or Shine in a Win for the trade. But CNB recently announced there will be a trade involving his guards which Bolts had a lot....next scenario might see Bolts trading a package with low seeded teams in exchange for another first rounder... otherwise.. I would say.. Rain or Shine made a better decision
ReplyDelete