The injury bug has bitten the Magnolia Hotshots at the worst possible time. The sight of key starting guards Jerom Lastimosa (Grade 2 sprained ankle) and Paul Lee (strained hamstring) going down during their critical loss to Rain or Shine has plunged the $6-4$ Hotshots into an immediate crisis just before their do-or-die push for a top-four seed against TNT.
This predicament has fueled speculation that LA Tenorio, the $41$-year-old Hotshots playing head coach, may finally suit up for the team he now manages from the sidelines. Tenorio himself admitted he is "not saying yes, but I’m not saying no also" to discussing a comeback with his staff and the Hotshots’ top brass.
While the emotional appeal of "Tinyente" returning to save the day is undeniable, the Hotshots must resist this temptation. The current crisis is a problem of personnel depth, not an opportunity for a glorious, yet risky, one-time revival.
The Cost of a Comeback
Tenorio last played in the PBA in the Season $49$ Philippine Cup semifinals in July, and though he has the pedigree of an eight-time champion and four-time Finals MVP, a sudden, high-stakes comeback is ill-advised for several reasons:
Age and Health Risk: At $41$, and after a considerable layoff, rushing Tenorio onto the court for a high-leverage game against a powerhouse like TNT exposes him to a significant risk of injury. His value to the organization as the Head Coach is far too high to jeopardize for a short-term fix.
Focus and Commitment: Tenorio's new role as the playing head coach is already a demanding dual responsibility. His primary focus must remain on preparing the game plan and guiding the team, especially with Mark Barroca needing maximum support in the backcourt. Distracting himself with conditioning and playing minutes diminishes his ability to lead from the bench.
The Depth Issue: Even if Tenorio plays, he provides a band-aid solution. The fundamental issue remains: an aging core and insufficient guard depth, as evidenced by the immediate struggle when Lee and the rookie Lastimosa were sidelined. The team needs sustainable solutions, not a nostalgic footnote.
🤝 The Path Forward: Trade or Free Agent Signing
Instead of placing the entire team's immediate future on the shoulders of a $41$-year-old coach, Magnolia's top brass should focus their efforts on leveraging their assets to acquire immediate, quality help.
Magnolia has a competitive roster that includes veterans like Ian Sangalang, Rome dela Rosa, and recent high-upside acquisitions like Javi Gómez de Liaño and Zavier Lucero. Their assets should be used to target a guard who can contribute now and alleviate the backcourt injury woes, either through a trade or by signing an available free agent.
Trade Potential: The PBA trade market is active, and Magnolia has demonstrated a willingness to make moves for players who fit their system. They need a proven veteran guard who is still in his prime to backup Barroca and allow Lastimosa and Lee to heal fully. Given the high stakes of securing a Top Four finish, the time for decisive front-office action is now.
Free Agent Market: While the quality of free agents available at this stage of the conference can be unpredictable, the team should explore all available talent to find a seasoned player who can provide consistent minutes and scoring off the bench.
Conclusion: LA Tenorio has transitioned seamlessly into his leadership role, and his future—and the future of the Magnolia Hotshots—is on the sideline, not on the court. The Hotshots' championship aspirations require a pragmatic, long-term approach to roster management, not a sentimental comeback. The smart move is to protect the Head Coach and instead use the remaining days before the playoffs to pursue a trade or a free agent signing to stabilize their depleted guard rotation.
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