By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The TNT Tropang Giga will finish its PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign without the services of superstar import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
In an announcement made by TNT head coach Jojo Lastimosa, the former NBA swingman can no longer play at full strength after suffering a neck injury during their East Asia Super League (EASL) game against the Taipei Fubon.
Lastimosa added that Hollis-Jefferson could barely move his neck and grimaced in pain if he tried to turn sideways. According to the team doctor, injuries like that could not be rushed because it may affect the spinal cord.
Replacing Rondae is his brother, Rahlir, who was tapped several weeks ago to become their secondary reinforcement in the EASL games.
Lastimosa confirmed their latest development right after their 86-78 loss to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel during the PBA’s Christmas Day scheduled treat.
With that being said, the Tropang Giga could no longer re-activate Rondae for the remainder of the season as part of the PBA’s house rules for import replacement.
As per the rule book, imports could only be replaced once and can no longer return if the team fully decides to field another reinforcement.
Despite the change, Rahlir is still a vital piece to TNT’s playoff campaign and is a well-known two-way player just like Rondae.
Although Rondae is more explosive offensively, Rahlir can fill in the frontcourt woes of the Tropang Giga as the injured Poy Erram is yet to go back to optimum level.
TNT still has two remaining games before the playoffs kick off against the Rain or Shine Elastopainters and the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
