Phoenix Welcomes Back Jason Perkins — But Should They Now Eye the #1 Pick?
The Phoenix Fuel Masters are getting a much-needed boost with the return of star forward Jason Perkins, who is finally set to suit up this Sunday for his first game of the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup after sitting out due to flu. His presence will certainly help the team stabilize after opening the conference with two straight losses — but it also reintroduces a strategic question that could define the future of the franchise:
Should Phoenix fight for wins, or fight for the #1 pick in the 2025 PBA Draft?
A Golden Opportunity in Disguise
As it stands, Terrafirma Dyip owns the worst record this season, making them the current front-runners for the #1 overall pick. But there’s a twist — rumors continue to swirl that the Philippine Cup could be Terrafirma's final tournament before a potential sale or revamp. That means they may try to go out with a strong showing, putting their worst-team standing in jeopardy.
This opens the door for a smart and patient Phoenix squad to not rush a turnaround. If they finish dead last this season, they could walk away with the #1 pick in a loaded 2025 draft class — a draft that could potentially include Fil-Am prospects and homegrown talents who could change a franchise overnight.
The Power of the #1 Pick
We’ve seen what a #1 pick can do in recent years. From Christian Standhardinger to CJ Perez, and more recently Joshua Munzon and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, these top selections — when given the right environment — are foundational cornerstones.
For a team like Phoenix, who has already reshaped its roster to go younger and more dynamic, securing a top pick means building around a new franchise player alongside Tyler Tio, JJ Alejandro, Kai Ballungay, Ricci Rivero and a now-healthy Jason Perkins.
A Tactical Dilemma: Compete or Rebuild?
Perkins’ return gives Phoenix a boost on the floor, especially with his scoring, spacing, and leadership. But it also complicates the question: Do you push for a mid-tier finish or strategically aim for the bottom to secure long-term dominance?
It’s not an easy choice, but smart franchises play the long game. If Phoenix finds itself slipping in the standings despite Perkins’ return, they may need to accept the losses today for a championship core tomorrow.
Conclusion: Long-Term Vision Over Short-Term Wins
Jason Perkins’ return is undeniably good news for Phoenix fans. But the bigger storyline this conference could be whether Phoenix embraces the chance to quietly tank, especially with Terrafirma looking to go out swinging.
If Phoenix finishes last and lands the #1 pick, they may look back on this season not as a failure, but as the beginning of something special.
Because in the PBA, sometimes the best victory is knowing when not to win.
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