MANILA, Philippines - Two-time MVP winner Willie Miller has again moved over to another team, bringing his act to Air21 from Barangay Ginebra in exchange for KG Canaleta plus a future draft pick.
Meanwhile, Talk n Text has tapped Scottie Reynolds as possible import replacement for Maurice Baker.
Reynolds was a former All-American awardee from Villanova who played with the Phoenix Suns in the 2010 NBA summer league.
“With our trade deal with Ginebra involving Miller, our backcourt definitely gets better,” Air21 governor Manny Alvarez told The STAR.
“Gaping holes in our frontcourt are the only problems we have to solve. We will assess the situation after the (2011) rookie draft,” Alvarez said.
Air21 has indeed problems to deal with following its forgettable 0-8 (win-loss) showing in the ongoing Governors Cup.
The Express became the first team to go winless in a tournament since coach Norman Black’s Pop Cola team finished without a single win in the 1999 Philippine Cup.
The Express struck a trade deal with the Kings right after their final game in the season Sunday night where they suffered an embarrassing 116-145 bowout to the TnT Tropang Texters.
Air21 has acquired Miller, who is reportedly became unhappy with his situation at Ginebra.
Miller has not played the Gin Kings’ last few games, complaining of back spasm.
Air21 will be Miller’s fifth team after Red Bull, Talk n Text, Alaska Milk and Ginebra.
Canaleta also made another movement after a brief return to his original team Air21 from B-Meg.
The draft right involved is Air21’s first round pick in the coming annual draft.
Air21 has two other first round picks (from Meralco and Talk n Text) acquired from previous trade deals.
“The coming draft is said to be a deep one. Hopefully, we can draft players to fill in our needs,” said Alvarez.
At the same time, Alvarez told The STAR their second PBA team will be known as Shopinas – the Lina Group’s new company that’s into e-commerce.
Shiela Lina will represent Shopinas in the PBA board of governors. She’s still in the process of forming the team coaching staff.