THE trade that sent Christian Standhardinger from San Miguel Beer to NorthPort for Mo Tautuaa may not sit well with some quarters, but one that needs to be made.
"Not a popular decision, but a logical decision," was how Beermen coach Leo Austria explained the rationale behind the one-on-one deal struck Monday and approved last Tuesday by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.
Austria cited several reasons, including the need to have an able backup to SMB prized center June Mar Fajardo and to put Standhardinger in a team where all his capabilities would be fully harnessed.
Austria added that would have not been the case had the 6-7 Fil-German stayed with SMB with its solid frontline core anchored on Fajardo, Arwind Santos and, since midway of last season, Kelly Nabong.
"Malungkot ako na nawala si Christian dahil alam naman natin malaki naitulong niya sa championship namin in the last conference, even in the all-Filipino," said Austria.
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"Pero nakikita ko, hindi enough, kulang na kulang, ang playing time niya because I have to stick kung ano core namin the last five years. Doon kami nananalo, eh," added Austria.
"Kaya na-develop starting unit ko, eh. Kaya ako nag-i-stick sa kanila sa endgame unless sa endgame medyo malaki na agwat so pina-fi-finish ko iba. But I have to rely on my core. Lalo na kung may import. Nawawalan nga ng p'westo si Arwind kapag may import, eh."
Indeed, Standhardinger played a big role for SMB in the Philippine Cup even winding up second behind Fajardo in team scoring and rebounds.
His excellent defense on TNT import Terrence Jones in the finals of the last Commissioner's Cup also helped spell the Beermen's league-leading 27th title and put them on the brink of a Grand Slam.
But in a league where two conferences are import-laden, something's got to give and in the case of Standhardinger it was his minutes on court.
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"He's not happy with his playing time, which he deserves naman talaga," said Austria. "But because of the chemistry, especially kapag may import, limited talaga (playing) time n'ya. Kita mo naman last conference, pinaiikot ko na lang (frontcourt) rotation kay June Mar, Christian at import. Nawalan ng playing time doon si Nabong at saka Arwind, nabawasan iyon."
Tautuaa could be an entirely different case, what with Fajardo now feeling the ill effects of his extended playing chores with SMB and the national team. Aside from the ongoing Governors the record five-time MVP is also with the Gilas Pilipinas squad seeing action in next month's SEA Games.
"Si June Mar laging nasa national team kaya may wear and tear na siya doon," Austria pointed out. "Katulad ngayon, dalawang araw na di siya nakapag-practice dahil not feeling well daw. Grabe naman kasi pinagdaanan namin, dalawang mahirap na playoffs, nasalihan pa ngayon ng (East Asia Terrific 12 Invitationals in) Macau, Dubai, tapos back-to-back games."
The downside in Fajardo's game is evident in the way he gets into foul trouble, which could not be a major concern with Tautuaa there.
"Kapag nag-foul trouble si June Mar, meron kang reliable na big man na poposte pa rin, dedepensa," said Austria.
Austria also bared that management and the coaching staff were all looking at the long-term and the other upsides in Tautuaa, main reason for the ready approval of the trade which NorthPort initiated.
"Long-term sila Christian and Tautuaa, dahil pareho naman sila halos ng edad, pero ang mga nagagawa ni Christian kaya rin ni Tautuaa, like dumipensa" offered Austria.
"Also, si Tautuaa may perimeter shooting," added the eight-time champion coach. "Pareho silang inconsistent ni Christian. Pero eto di mo p'wedeng pabayaan, di katulad ng isa na wala talagang tira sa labas."(NC)
