Narvasa faces ‘big’ draft issue; Uytengsu hits ‘deal’

MANILA, Philippines — Although it is not in the agenda when the PBA board of governors convenes today, it is expected to discuss the controversial proposed trade deal involving Kia’s top draft and powerhouse San Miguel Beer team.

“It’s not in the agenda but the Kia board representative is likely bring up the issue and argue their right as a PBA franchise to determine the directions they’re going to take,” said a league insider.

Sources said Kia would pursue a deal with San Miguel Beer notwithstanding an uproar from fans and some quarters in the league on the sense of propriety and parity or the lack of them involving the biggest and most talented draftee in the league – 6-foot-8 Fil-German Christian Standhandinger.

Meanwhile, the Alaska Milk Aces ball club owner Wilfred Steven Uytengsu was among those who expressed concern on the trade.

“The purpose of the draft is to strengthen the weaker teams. However, what we have seen lately is these weaker teams end up selling their top draft picks because if you look at who is being traded in return, it clearly doesn’t make basketball sense for the weaker teams, unless there is other consideration,” Uytengsu said.

“There is already a lot of about Kia benefiting financially if this trade were to go through and you have to wonder if they are even making the league minimum salary cap,” Uytengsu added.

Uytengsu also expressed his concern over league balance and salary cap compliance.

“If you look at the composition of SMB and Ginebra, you will see they are stacked with first to third picks. Many of those players came to them from curious trades.

“It’s difficult to comprehend how a team can fit within the team salary cap, paying those players all at approved maximum PBA salaries while still maintaining a strong sixth through eighth players. I’ve done the math and it doesn’t work,” said Uytengsu.

PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa will have the final say whether to approve, reject or call for a revision of the trade proposal.

Narvasa said he would make his decision after a talk with officials of Kia and San Miguel Beer.

“People say it’s about parity of the league. But people have the same right as anybody else in the team to decide their fate,” said Narvasa.

“They should be responsible for whatever comes from it. We have to consider also their position and the effect it has on the league,” he added.