Though the transaction that sent Jeff Chan from the Phoenix Fuel Masters to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel might be seen as a lopsided trade as the Gin Kings only gave up their first round pick in the 2018 Rookie Draft. For coach Tim Cone however, he shared that it’s a huge “sacrifice” for Ginebra to give up a part of its future for a 10-year veteran.
“It’s always tough to give up a part of your future through first round picks especially for veteran players,” opined the winningest head coach in PBA history.
“But Jeff obviously fills a big hole for us.”
During the last three drafts, Ginebra drafted Scottie Thompson (4th, 2015), Kevin Ferrer (special, 2016), and Jett Manuel (12th, 2017) in the first round. Two of those players have become integral pieces in Cone’s rotation.
However, the pros of the trade outweighs the negatives for Ginebra.
For the conference, Ginebra is shooting just 30 percent as a team from downtown. And with the next round looming, the Gin Kings need a gunner to spread the floor.
“Jeff obviously fills a big hole for us. His ability to spread the floor for Greg (Slaughter) and Japeth (Aguilar) could spell the difference,” shared Cone as Chan is shooting at a 35 percent clip from downtown this conference.
“We’ve been targeting him for months now because we have always seen him as a guy who can lift us to a higher level.”
At 34 years of age however, Chan only has a few good years left under his belt. That is why Cone is hoping that this trade pays immediate dividends.
“if we can get two or three good years from Jeff, then the sacrifice of our first round pick will be worth it.”
