Pending approval from the PBA Commissioner’s Office, TNT is already looking forward to see former Gilas Pilipinas player Jordan Heading on board the 5G’s roster and help the team’s campaign in the ongoing Philippine Cup.
In a Viber message to Pinoystep.com, team manager Jojo Lastimosa stressed the importance of having someone who could shore up their depleted backcourt and stabilize the team’s future.
“It’s about addressing our depleted backcourt and our future, too,” wrote Lastimosa when asked about the rationale behind the trade between Williams and Heading.
Williams was a key figure in TNT’s two championships in two seasons, but had a falling out with the Tropang 5G management due to contract issues. The two-time Finals Most valuable Player and former Rookie of the Year is expected to make an immediate impact with a young Converge team anchored on its twin towers — Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana.
For TNT, having Heading on its roster means it could immediately bring in a player who can fill up the void temporarily left by injured star guards Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac.
Castro is out the rest of the season due to a knee injury while Nambatac is sidelined by a groin injury, but is likely to return in the playoffs.
Still, TNT will have to wait for the approval of the PBA to make things work.
The Tropang 5G remain at an uncomfortable spot at seventh place with a 4-3 win-loss record and having Heading will be a necessity as they try to solidify their playoff chances — and keep their grand slam hopes alive.
“It’s still not approved yet by the PBA as there are still some details that needed to be fixed,” added Lastimosa.
