The confetti has finally settled at the Araneta Coliseum. The San Miguel Beermen have once again hoisted the PBA Philippine Cup trophy, solidifying their reign as the undisputed kings of the all-Filipino conference. It was a hard-fought series against a resilient, albeit injury-plagued, TNT Tropang Giga, but the Beermen's depth, experience, and the sheer force of nature that is June Mar Fajardo proved too much to overcome.
With the 2024-2025 PBA season officially in the books, the Beermen, fresh off their championship run, now look to the offseason. Their ultimate goal, as openly declared by Fajardo himself, is the elusive Grand Slam. They have the local talent to achieve it, a roster bursting with champions and proven performers. But even for a team as dominant as San Miguel, the offseason is a time for calculated decisions, for identifying subtle weaknesses, and for optimizing the roster for the challenges of import-laden conferences.
And this brings us to San Miguel's most intriguing trade asset: Chris Ross.
The Case for Trading Chris Ross: A Legend's Value in a Crowded Backcourt
It feels almost sacrilegious to suggest trading a player who just won his 11th PBA championship with the franchise, a true Beermen legend who has been the heart and soul of their dynasty. But hear me out.
Ross is old already. Born in March 1985, he turned 40 this year. While his athleticism and defensive tenacity remain remarkable for his age, the reality is that the twilight of his playing career is approaching. Every minute he plays now is a bonus.
However, Ross has extra value for being a legend. This isn't just about his on-court production. It's about his leadership, his winning pedigree, and his unmatched defensive intensity. He's a multiple Defensive Player of the Year, a Finals MVP, and a vocal leader both on and off the court. Any team acquiring him isn't just getting a point guard; they're getting a culture-setter, a mentor, and a proven winner. His name alone carries weight, particularly for a younger team looking to instill a winning mentality.
And let's not forget: Ross showed in the recent playoffs that he can still play. He still makes those pesky steals, still hits timely threes, and still controls the tempo on defense. He was a vital piece of their championship puzzle, proving he's not just a sentimental roster spot. His performance in the Finals, even if not statistically overwhelming, demonstrated his continued impact.
San Miguel's Deep Backcourt: A Crucial Factor
On the other hand, San Miguel is more than capable of losing him with the depth of their list of ball-handlers. This is the crucial point for the Beermen. While Ross is invaluable, their guard rotation is stacked. They have:
CJ Perez: Their primary offensive engine and an increasingly capable playmaker.
Jericho Cruz: The recent Finals MVP, an explosive scorer who can handle the ball and create.
Simon Enciso: A veteran point guard with solid ball-handling and shooting.
Jeron Teng: A versatile guard/forward who can attack off the dribble.
Juami Tiongson: Another capable guard recently acquired.
Kris Rosales: Provides additional depth at the guard spot.
This is a serious collection of backcourt talent. They can absorb Ross's minutes, redistribute his responsibilities, and still maintain a high level of play. This depth allows San Miguel the luxury of considering a trade involving a player of Ross's stature without crippling their immediate prospects.
The Offseason Opportunity
Trading Chris Ross wouldn't be about shedding dead weight; it would be about maximizing his remaining value and preparing for the future. For a team seeking a veteran presence, defensive anchor, and championship guidance, Ross would be a perfect fit. In return, San Miguel could potentially acquire a younger talent, a future draft pick, or a player who addresses a more specific need (like a swingman who can contribute across multiple positions or a forward who offers more consistent outside shooting).
The Beermen are entering the offseason as champions, with eyes firmly set on the Grand Slam. To achieve that monumental feat, they'll need to be ruthless in their roster management. And sometimes, the hardest decisions involve moving a legend, even one who still has plenty left in the tank, to ensure the next era of dominance. The question isn't whether Chris Ross can still play; it's whether his immense value, both tangible and intangible, could be better utilized to further San Miguel's dynastic aspirations.
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