Rumors are swirling about TNT Tropang Giga's interest in Pampanga Giant Lanterns star Archie Concepcion. According to a tweet from Woj of Pinas Snow Badua, TNT is reportedly in talks to bring in Concepcion, alongside other players like Jielo Razon and former Barangay Ginebra player Ken Holmqvist, after several TNT contracts expire on December 31. Concepcion's playing rights are currently held by the Blackwater Bossing, making a trade negotiation a necessary step for TNT to secure his services.
Archie Concepcion has made a name for himself as a reliable scorer and shooter. During his stint with Pampanga, the former Arellano University standout posted impressive numbers:
13.8 points per game
35% from three-point range
3.9 rebounds per game
2.2 assists per game
1.1 steals per game
These statistics highlight Concepcion’s ability to score efficiently, particularly from beyond the arc, an area that TNT has always prioritized to complement its dynamic offense.
While Concepcion’s addition would bolster TNT’s depth, it raises the question of whether he is a significant upgrade over current TNT wing CJ Payawal. Payawal, who joined TNT earlier this year, offers a similar skill set but with certain advantages:
Size and Versatility: Payawal is taller, giving him more defensive versatility and the ability to guard bigger wings.
Potential Upside: At this stage, Payawal arguably has a higher developmental ceiling than Concepcion, making him a long-term asset for TNT.
The potential redundancy between Payawal and Concepcion could create a logjam at the wing position, especially with TNT’s already loaded roster.
Regardless of the overlap, TNT’s pursuit of Concepcion aligns with the franchise’s tendency to target players who generate buzz outside the PBA. Concepcion’s impressive performance with Pampanga, coupled with his fan following, makes him an attractive target. TNT has a history of incorporating standout players from other leagues, believing their success can translate to the PBA.
This approach has its merits, as it injects fresh talent into the lineup and keeps the team competitive. However, it also carries risks, particularly when the new acquisition may not address the team’s immediate needs or create positional redundancies.
Archie Concepcion’s rumored move to TNT Tropang Giga could be a win for the team, adding a proven scorer and three-point shooter to its arsenal. However, TNT’s management will need to carefully evaluate whether Concepcion’s addition significantly improves the team or merely duplicates existing strengths.
The Tropang Giga’s aggressive pursuit of talent from outside the PBA continues to be a double-edged sword: it keeps the team relevant and innovative, but it also poses challenges in terms of roster balance and maximizing player potential. Whether Concepcion becomes a key piece in TNT’s championship aspirations or another name in their deep rotation remains to be seen.
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