THE shock trade that sent Christian Standhardinger to NorthPort in exchange for Mo Tautuaa was founded on need.
According to a usually reliable source, the Batang Pier initiated the deal to gain a big man who can keep in step with coach Pido Jarencio’s preferred up-tempo style of play, much like what Standhardinger usually does.
The Beermen acquired a big man who can mix it up inside while occasionally booming in a triple. Tautuaa is known for that.
“It’s a win-win situation because they each got what they needed,” said the insider.
The fruits of the trade, announced Monday night and approved by Commissioner Willie Marcial yesterday, should be known soon. An initial glimpse of how the trade works out for both sides should be had when they collide on Oct. 23.
SMB coach Leo Austria was happy for Standhardinger, knowing the Fil-German, the top pick last season, can now have more playing time he could not get with the Beermen and its solid core anchored on prized center June Mar Fajardo.
“I’m sure maipapakita na niya ‘yung full potential niya sa NorthPort,” Austria said yesterday.
“Christian helped us a lot in winning the last two championships, especially in the last conference where he played solid defense against (TNT import Terrence) Jones,” added Austria.
“I’m happy for him because he was able to contribute a lot dito and now he can get the playing time he needs sa NorthPort.”
The numbers do tell such tale.
From a high of 35.42 minutes a game and averages of f 23.27 points and 13.64 rebounds in last year’s Governors Cup, Standhardinger’s playing time and numbers have steadily declined. He was averaging just 3.5 points and 4.0 rebounds on 12.78 minutes per game in the current season-ending conference.
At first glance, SMB seems to be the big winner.
Tautuaa, the No. 1 overall pick by TNT in 2015 who was traded to NorthPort in April of last year, has been averaging 11.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in the ongoing tournament and is expected to provide a big boost inside for San Miguel, which is seeking a rare grand slam this season.
The source begged to differ, however.
“Ang thinking ng both sides, pareho lang silang inconsistent,” offered the insider. “But it’s still too early to tell. Standhardinger may yet regain his stride and remember that Tautuaa has to fight for his minutes against Fajardo and Kelly Nabong.”
