EL GRANADA FINALLY FINDS A NEW HOME
Gary David’s wish to be in new surroundings has been granted.
In a deal finalized late Thursday night after the NBA pre-season game at the Mall of Asia Arena, GolbalPort sent David and backup guard AJ Mandani to Meralco in exchange for playmaker Chris Ross, backup Chris Timberlake plus the Bolts’ second round pick in 2016 and 2017.
The trade was approved by Commissioner Chito Salud Friday afternoon.
David, one of the league’s most feared gunners and two-time local scoring champion, gives Meralco a consistent scoring threat and the Bolts believe having him on the team can help in their quest for a first-ever championship.
On the other hand, Ross will provide the Batang Pier a young court general who can give direction to the offense. Sources also said Sol Mercado wanted Ross to be his backcourt partner.
“I think the deal is beneficial to both parties. We need a solid scorer and a veteran in Gary David while they are preparing for a solid future and they believe that Chris Ross holds the key,” said Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio.
“Gary gives us a legitimate scoring threat. He is great in transition, solid off-screen and he can manufacture his own points. His leadership can also help us in our desire to finish better than No. 3 in the next conference. Despite his age he has proven time and again that he still has a lot of good years ahead of him. We are happy to have him on board,” Gregorio added.
For his part, GlobalPort team manager Erick Arejola said that while parting with David isn’t easy, the direction of the team at the moment is to get young players and start the rebuilding process in hopes of making a championship run in the next couple of years. (JL)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
