The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Jesse C. Ong
AT the height of the recent squabble between Asi Taulava and NLEX concerning his diminished playing time, not too many people knew that his dream of ending a decorated Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) career in Ginebra uniform almost came close to reality.
A highly-placed league insider revealed to The Market Monitor that the Gin Kings entertained thoughts of getting into the trade picture with the Road Warriors to land the 6’10” veteran big man, but decided against it at the last minute as the coaching staff opted to keep the team intact.
“Talagang interesado sila kay Asi, kaya lang mukhang kuntento sila sa current composition ng team kaya eventually, nagbago rin ng isip. Wala rin silang player na maisip ipalit para sa kanya,” said the source.
Ginebra is in dire need of a dominant slotman to fill in the void left by seven-foot behemoth Greg Slaughter, who is still recuperating from a major knee operation and is expected to be back to active duty in the middle phase of the second conference.
“Kaya nga noong napabalitang nagpapa-trade si Asi, nagkaroon agad ng kaunting pag-uusap ang coaching staff. Alam nilang malakas pa si Asi at malaki ang maitutulong sa loob, lalo na’t nagpapagaling pa si Greg. Kaso, ayaw nilang magpakawala ng player at this point dahil maganda ang samahan ng team,” the source added.
The Fil-Tongan cager had been vocal in the past about his desire to play for the Gin Kings, even wishing that he retires with the league’s most popular squad. He also proved that he could still mix it up under the basket with today’s young big men and contribute significant numbers in offense for NLEX.
However, the entry this season of new Road Warriors head coach Yeng Guiao, who infused a fast-paced system to the team, had Taulava spending more time on the bench than on the hardcourt.
This apparently disappointed Taulava that he openly expressed his desire to be traded and find a team that would recognize his capability as a veteran player.
Among the teams that prominently indicated their readiness to enter into a trade deal for Taulava was GlobalPort Batang Pier, which is in need of a legit force inside the paint to complement its young outside gunners led by the high-scoring Terrence Romeo.
The disgruntled veteran and his team eventually settled their differences as Taulava decided to stay with NLEX after getting an assurance from Guiao to find a role that would help him thrive under the latter’s system.