Veteran guard Simon Enciso is now officially an unrestricted free agent, signaling the end of his stint with San Miguel Beermen after four seasons and two championships. At 34 years old, the Fil-Am sharpshooter is eyeing a familiar home — a return to TNT Tropang Giga, the team he briefly suited up for during the 2020 Philippine Cup bubble in Clark.
According to sources from both SPIN.ph and within the Beermen camp, Enciso is strongly considering TNT, especially with the team currently facing a void in its backcourt following Jayson Castro’s season-ending injury. The loss of Castro — the “Heart and Soul” of TNT — has left a gaping leadership hole, and while Finals MVP Rey Nambatac, Brian Heruela, and rookie Jielo Razon have stepped up admirably, there's little doubt that the team could benefit from another experienced playmaker.
A Smart Move for Enciso
From Enciso’s perspective, this rumored return makes a lot of sense. He knows the TNT culture, he’s playoff-tested, and most importantly, he has a shot at contributing to a potential Grandslam run. With TNT fresh off a Commissioner’s Cup title and entering the Philippine Cup as strong contenders, joining them now could give Enciso a golden opportunity to be part of history.
While he may not be expected to play 30 minutes a night, his shooting, ball-handling, and experience can be valuable assets off the bench — especially with the likes of Mikey Williams, Calvin Oftana, and Kelly Williams navigating injuries and minutes management.
TNT’s Dilemma: Depth vs. Star Power
But while signing Enciso is a low-risk, high-upside move, it does bring up an important question for TNT management:
If they bring Enciso in now, do they still have the flexibility — financially or roster-wise — to chase another star guard via trade?
There have been whispers that TNT has their eyes on at least one more major acquisition before the season ends. But the addition of Enciso, depending on contract size and cap space, could limit their ability to pull off a bigger move. With the free agency pool thinning out and the PBA’s trade market notoriously tricky, timing will be everything.
Still, the decision ultimately depends on how TNT views Enciso — as a stopgap solution, a rotational piece, or a veteran leader to stabilize the team while Mikey and Castro heal.
Final Word
For Simon Enciso, this is a well-calculated move. After four solid years with SMB and a pair of titles under his belt, he’s choosing a path that prioritizes competitiveness and legacy. A return to TNT gives him a real chance at helping a championship contender aim for a rare Grandslam — something every PBA player dreams of.
As for TNT? They need to think carefully. Enciso can help them in the short-term, but if they’re planning a bigger splash — a game-changing trade for a top-tier guard — they’ll have to balance need with ambition.
Still, at this stage in the season, with momentum on their side and a Grandslam within reach, rolling the dice on a battle-tested guard like Enciso might just be the right play.
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