(c) PBA Media Bureau
We are 17 games in (as of this writing) and all teams have shown some flaws that needed to be filled for a better future.
So, here are the best trade targets for these teams, so far.
BGSM - A Bigman
The injury of Greg Slaughter has been managed by the current depth of their frontline. Aguilar-Devance-Marcelo-Cruz with Ferrer, Mariano and Ellis capable of chipping-in a few minutes at the 4, looks pretty fine. Even with that depth, they are still missing a consistent inside threat, which is very critical to the triangle scheme.
One intriguing option is Reynel Hugnatan. He was under coach Tim in Alaska, so he knows how to play the Triangle. Grabbing him will also give a great mentor on their young frontliners like Jamito, De Guzman, Ferrer, Mariano and Ellis. But to get him, they will need to sacrifice one of those guys and it will be worth it.
ALASKA - A Center
Sonny Thoss will be out for at least three more games of the Aces. Forcing them to rely on Marion Magat and Severino Baclao in manning the center position. Magat and Baclao will not cut it as shown by the good production of the centers that they faced, so far.
Thoss is not a young veteran anymore, and injuries has crippled him in the past few years. They cannot continue to rely on Magat and Baclao if they want to sustain their contendership. So, guys like JR Reyes, Justin Chua and Raymond Aguilar should be considered.
GLOBALPORT - Some picks
Globalport is one of the unique team that needs to deduct to improve things. Their PG rotation is really deep, quality and quantity wise. Aban, Cortez and Dehesa can all play the 1, so trading one of them will be fine.
Dehesa has received the fewest minutes in their first three games but for a 6'2 guy who averaged 8.4 points, 1.8 assists and 33.2% 3FG in his PBA career, they should be able to find at least two second rounders for him. Trading him will open up a few minutes for Pessumal and provide job security boost to Aban and Cortez.
NLEX - A point guard
NLEX has a good PG rotation already with Villanueva-Alas-Lanete-Monfort but if you scan those four, none of them has proven to be a consistent kick-and-out quarterback, on the molds of Ahanmisi Jericho Cruz in Rain or Shine. Alas, Lastimosa and Lanete could blossom into it but if they want to maximize the scheme of coach Yeng now, they need to add one.
Two very interesting possibilities are Justin Melton and Abel Galliguez. Melton is one of the most underrated point guard out there because he is buried on the bench of Star. But, in the past few years Melton has been a consistent contributor on both ends of the court. His athleticism makes him a pretty dangerous slasher and has an average vision in finding open teammates.
PHOENIX - A Power Forward
Prince Caperal has evolved into a reliable starting center this season. With Norbert Torres as his back-up, they will be fine. The problem is their power forward position. Wright, Intal, Wilson and Borboran are the ones who are eating-up the PF minutes. None of them is a legit 4.
The most interesting options is Jervy Cruz. He is fast enough to play the fast scheme of the Fuel Masters and he has the midrange shot to fit-in to their dribble-drive system. I just don't know if coach Tim will be willing to exchange him for other bench players.
MAHINDRA - A 1st round pick
There is no saving the Enforcers now. The best action for them is to swallow all the defeats that they will suffer this conference and find a great import for the next two conferences, to salvage some dignity. But, for the sake of their future, they should try to find another 1st round pick. LA Revilla, Joseph Eriobu, Jason Ballesteros, Josan Nimes and Ryan Arana should net them at least one, right?
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