Yap, Lee switch sides in blockbuster deal
James Yap and Paul Lee. Photos by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Two-time league MVP James Yap and spitfire guard Paul Lee swapped sides on Thursday as Rain or Shine continues to shake up its roster.
The deal was approved late Thursday afternoon by the Office of the Commissioner.
This is the latest of Rain or Shine’s offseason moves following the departure of long time coach Yeng Guiao.
Lee averaged 13.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in his five-year run with the Elasto Painters.
He was also named as the 2012 Rookie of the Year, earned a Mythical Team selection in the 2014-15 season, and the Finals MVP in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.
He is expected to lead the Hotshots next season, where he will be flanked by Peter June Simon, Mark Barroca, and RR Garcia.
Yap, meanwhile, will leave the franchise he has played for since being drafted second in 2004.
He has averaged 15.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in his 12 year career, but saw a career-low 11.6 markers last season, to go with 2.9 boards and 1.3 dimes.
Yap hopes to revitalize his career among young guns Jericho Cruz and Maverick Ahanmisi in Rain or Shine.
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