Marc Pingris is no stranger to dealing with trades. But the 35-year-old, who had experienced being dealt thrice in his career and has witnessed numerous teammates be traded away, admits that it still stings whenever it occurs.
“Ang nakakalungkot lang dun talaga, kami sa team kasi family kami eh,” said the Star Hotshots leader. “[Pero] Ganyan ang buhay namin mga player eh. Kahit nga si coach, sinabi niya sa amin dati na trabaho ‘to eh, professional tayo.
“Hindi niyo alam kung kailan kayo mate-trade, or kahit ako, kung kailan ako maaalis, parang ganun.”
These sentiments from the 13-year veteran come after Star  made another surprising move this season. Nearly a week ago, the team traded gunslinger Allein Maliksi and Chris Javier to Blackwater for Kyle Pascual and Bambam Gamalinda.
And for the eight-time champion, the recent trade is a huge blow to the Hotshots, as the 29-year-old Maliksi has built an identity as one of the game’s deadliest scorers in the four years he played with them.
“Malaking kawalan,” the 13-time All-Star lamented. “Pero kailangan namin mag-adjust. Alam ko rin naman na makukuha rin niya yung playing time niya sa Blackwater, yung pakikisama niya sa ibang player dun.”
Friday night versus the Globalport Batang Pier at the SMART Araneta Coliseum marks the start of Star’s run without Maliksi. Pingris likened the feeling to a break-up, but like any other parting of ways, they will all move on from it.
“Parang nakipag-break ka lang sa isang girlfriend mo tapos makakahanap ka rin ng bagong girlfriend. Parang ganun yung feeling eh,” he said. “Ganun lang naman talaga yung buhay eh, hindi mo talaga masasabi.
“Kailangan lang talaga magtrabaho ka.”
