Remember this meme?
On February 9, 2023, Kevin Durant was sent to the Phoenix Suns for players and draft picks, led by Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson. I said this because back then, the Phoenix Fuelmasters were shells of their former selves.
When the fans thought that Phoenix would be an independent PBA squad, it turned out that the team was like any other "independent" team in the PBA. Most of their stars have either retired or are playing for other teams. Aside from Jason Perkins and RJ Jazul, the squad is almost unrecognizable from their last semis run. Calvin Abueva is now with Magnolia, Justin Chua is now with TNT, and Matthew Wright has moved to the Japanese B-League.
What in the blue hell is a Hannaryz?
Anyway, it didn't help that Encho Serrano would rather play for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL and Kurt Lojera would rather play for Siomai King than spend time and effort with the Fuelmasters.
Siomai King.
The current Phoenix roster is loaded with rookies, reserve players, and second-stringers. Even Perkins, Javee Mocon, and Tyler Tio are questionable starters if they played for other teams. Ken Tuffin is not the draft pick to strike fear with the other teams. Ricci Rivero would have been a better choice if you think about it.
Fortunately for the Fuelmasters, Tuffin turned out to be a great choice. Moreover, they were still able to snag Rivero in the second round - the same round they got Tio a season prior who is currently taking his game to the next level.
And as for Perkins, the dude is a fighter. I still remember how Ben Mbala's awesomeness ruined his final UAAP year with the DLSU Green Archers, only to bounce back with an epic PBA D-League campaign where he almost won the MVP award had not for Cignal teammate Robert Bolick.
Johnathan Williams has been a revelation for the team. The former LA Laker and Washington Wizard is a dark horse to win the Best Import award. Also, kudos for
The last non-SMC or MVP team to win a championship was Rain or Shine during the 2016 Commissioner's Cup. Since 2010, there have been only two independent teams that have won (Alaska has since disbanded.) This is why all eyes are on Phoenix. Regardless of the outcome, there is a chance that the big market teams are planning to "harvest" their players. In fact, Phoenix needs to outplay two SMC teams to win the title. Magnolia is the first team that stands in their way and the winner of the Ginebra versus San Miguel series would be the final boss in their quest for redemption.
A win should make their squad less indispensable.
Let's be real about this.
This is why a Phoenix win will help in the PBA scheme of things.