Monday, July 18, 2011

Willie Miller traded to Air21 for Nino Canaleta, 2012 draft pick

While the trade is still up to PBA Commissioner Chito Salud's approval, two time PBA Most Valuable Player Willie Miller has been traded to the Air21 Express for slam dunk artist/three point shooter Nino Canaleta and a 2012 draft pick.

How this helps both teams will probably be felt beyond this conference, as Air21 is already out of contention and other than their import-woes, Ginebra has already zeroed in on a solid nine-man rotation.

Caneleta will probably steal minutes away from JC Intal, but not from defensive anchor Willy Wilson as Uichico has shown a preference for the DLSU Green Archer rather than Intal in close minutes (plus, someone has to play defense after Cortez, Caguioa, Tubid, Wilson and Helterbrand right?).

The 2012 draft pick, if they're lucky, could turn out to be a Smart Gilas alum-- which will always be a bonus in my book because of the international exposure and training those boys have had.

For Air21, either they are starting to reload to become a relevant force next season, or they are looking to trade their recent stars (Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Seigle and Willie Miller) for younger players-- or, to split it with their sister team (since Air21 was able to buy the Barako Bull franchise a few weeks back).

To be quite honest, I can't name a two-time MVP who has been traded as many times as "The Thriller."
google.com, pub-3708877119963803, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0