TNT head coach Jojo Lastimosa is leaving the negotiations with Mikey Williams to Chot Reyes to better focus on the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.
Although he also serves as the Tropang Giga’s team manager, the cage legend opted to let their senior consultant handle matters concerning the star guard, who has yet to rejoin the team even if the season had already started.
It’s basically a switch between Lastimosa and Reyes. The former was the one who dealt with Williams’ contract situation last season – his first order of business after being appointed as TM of the flagship MVP franchise at that time.
“Nagpalit muna kami ng role,” he said.
“I don’t want to be bothered anymore, sabi ko. I have too much on my plate.”
TNT and Williams once again find themselves in an impasse as the two-time Finals MVP opted to renegotiate for a new deal for the new season.
Both sides have yet to agree and Williams continues to be a no-show. He was absent in the Tropa’s season opener versus Magnolia on Sunday.
TNT fell short in its comeback, 110-102. Lastimosa admitted that Williams’ scoring, as well as Roger Pogoy’s presence, was badly missed.
“We couldn’t seem to buy baskets,” he said. “I think that was really the primary problem sa amin ngayoin, wala si Mikey and Roger.”
But Lastimosa and Co. will fight on, whatever happens with the team’s negotiations with the 32-year-old Williams.
“I’ll just ride this out as long as I can and, I’m hoping for Chot to come back refreshed,” he said.
