PBA Trade Analysis: Is Alaska rebuilding?

(c) PBA Media Bureau

Alaska just made their second trade this conference-break between Commissioner's Cup and Governors' Cup. This time around, they traded Carl Bryan Cruz for Abu Tratter of Blackwater Elite.

Was the trade fair? Yes. Centers are the premium position in the PBA. So, I am not shocked that there are a lot of fans out there who look at this as a lopsided exchange. 

Although Tratter is a rookie and considered a bigman, he actually do not have enough size to take on the giants of the league for an entire game. That is the reason why it is just fine to give him up and get one of the most underrated shooter in the league.

TEAM ANALYSIS
Blackwater Elite

When Blackwater traded JP Erram for Paul Desiderio and Abu Tratter, we all expected them to groom Abu as JP's replacement. They gave him playing time and trusted him with the starting position but in his first two conferences in the PBA, Abu did not meet the hype. He is not a bust but he is not the kind of bigman that teams should be afraid to loss.

On the other hand, getting CBC indicates the focus of the Elite in the upcoming conference. They will not win with size. So, how about putting some more shooters in the floor. 

CBC is a great off-movement shooter, one of the rarest commodity in the league. He is undersize if he plays the 4 but he is actually a very good defender. Overall, I am fine with the trade for the Elite.
Grade: B

Alaska Aces

According to Spin.ph, coach Jeff Cariaso was the one who initiated the discussion. Knowing that they lack a bigman, it is just right that they get one. They did not only get a big but they actually get the top bigman prospect of the 2018 draft. 

Unfortunately, he is nothing special. Unless, they can lead him to the right skills that will maximize what he currently has.

If they can help him bulk-up, Abu should become a capable giant-stopper in a few years. They will also need to teach him to make the right passes and calls. Lastly, an outside shot could be the key to make him a starting caliber center.
Grade: C