Trade reaction: Mahindra makes its move

Nimes' time to shine
(Photo credit: mapua.edu.ph)

Don't look now but unlike fellow expansion team Blackwater Elite, which has been constantly saying to the media that it is trying to build a competitive line-up while ironically trading away top picks and assets for next-to-nothing, the Mahindra Floodbusters is keeping itself preoccupied with preparations for the coming PBA season.

Based on the people that they released and acquired, it is pretty obvious that head coach Chris Gavina is trying to build a free-flowing, running team and not one that simply, overly relies on point guard L.A. Revilla's wizardry and dies when he's not around.

Trade 1: Josan Nimes for a PBA Draft 2018 - 2nd round pick (Rain or Shine)
As a rookie at RoS, much was expected of Nimes under then head coach Yeng Guiao. The problem was Guiao gave his rookies a specific role: score and play defense in spurts; which didn't really fit Nimes' game. Nimes is a crafty point-small forward whose overall effect in a game is felt only when he is able to play long minutes AND facilitate, NOT jack up shots. At Mahindra, we hope that Coach Chris allows Nimes to run with it and take some of the pressure off Revilla. Also, Nimes needs to work on his defense if he wishes to make a name for himself in the pros.
Grade: B

Trade 2: Ryan Arana for Keith Agovida (San Miguel)
Agovida showed flashes, but he could never really put 2 and 2 together. At SMB he will be able to play behind PBA MVP Arwind Santos and hopefully learn a few more tricks while working off the rust. For Mahindra, this is a win because of what Arana brings to the table. Though he was unable to get any minutes at SMB, he is still in his prime and is a crafty two-way player. His specialty of course is running the break and finishing at the rim regardless of the defense presented him\ (he doesn't attack the body of his defender, but rather Euro-steps/ spins his way around them for the easy lay-in). We'd be surprised if Coach Chris doesn't have Arana as his starting small forward/ shooting guard by opening day.
Grade: A

Trade 3: Alex Mallari for Aldrech Ramos (STAR) 
Ramos enjoyed a great season with Mahindra; often being the target of Revilla's sharp passes for the easy, open jumpers. He will be a great kick-out option for STAR guards RR Garcia, Mark Barroca and Paul Lee, while also helping them by being a floor-spacing big. Mallari on the other hand follows Coach Chris' "uptempo" blueprint, while also serving as Revilla's chief back-up. He has the length to bother a lot of the league's top guards and now that he is no longer playing behind Gilas superstar-level guards, he just might even be able to steal Revilla's spot on the rotation.
Grade: B

Over all, we love that Mahindra's building up. They do not have a lot of assets at the moment, but they were able to snatch a few guys who could contribute heavily right away. Now if only they didn't let Nino Canaleta simply walk over to GlobalPort...