There’s a strong chance that TNT KaTropa will make an import change in time for Game Four of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals, multiple sources told InterAksyon.
KaTropa, who are behind 2-1 in the series after losing two straight against San Miguel, are likely to shut down hulking import Joshua Smith, who has been bothered by a foot injury, and tap standby reinforcement Mike Myers on Wednesday, according to a source who requested anonymity.
“Malamang magpalit na kami,” the source said.
Another source added that TNT has now realized that Smith has become a liability particularly on defense.
“Even June Mar (Fajardo) keeps on outrunning him. He was late on defense a lot of times,” the second source said.
Asked about possibly switching imports, TNT coach Nash Racela said after Game Three on Sunday that the team is not “thinking about that at this point.”
Meanwhile, San Miguel coach Leo Austria said his team will be ready.
“It’s better kung magpalit sila. We don’t know what will happen. I think bago sila magpalit they have until Tuesday afternoon. Maganda sa kanila yun na magpalit sila kasi mababago yung set up nila. Offensively siguro, napapansin nila na we’re limiting their inside game,” he said.
“Whatever happens, we have to be prepared, kasi even before this series, alam naman naming anytime pwede silang magpalit.”