THERE is definitely no truth to rumors circulating on social media fan pages that the Meralco Bolts are planning to bring in former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer as import for the coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The swift denial was made by a source from inside the Bolts camp, who told Spin.ph that the team is pursuing a former NBA player, but definitely "not in the level of Boozer."
“We have three prospects, the three others are ready to fly in anytime, but we are looking at this player, a former NBA role player, siya ang gusto namin and by the looks of it, within the week, we can get his yes,” said the official who asked not to be named.
“We have been discussing a list of players, there’s four, pero Boozer is not part of the discussion. San kaya galing 'yan (report)?” added the Meralco official, letting out a hearty laugh.
A two-time NBA All-Star, Boozer played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls in his first 12 years in the league before spending the 2014-2015 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, which eventually bought out his contract on July 17, 2014.
He has been an unrestricted free agent since while an offer to play in China is on the table.
The same Meralco source bared that the rumor about Boozer going to the Bolts might have stemmed from a tweet by well-known NBA reporter Marc Spears, who claimed that: ‘@meralcobolts treat players like NBA.'
“Perhaps, rumors might be because of that tweet. Pero we’re not negotiating with Boozer,” said the Meralco insider.
Meanwhile, here is a quick rundown of the imports already confirmed to play in the mid-season conference, set to start on February 10.
Blackwater – MJ Rhett
NLEX – Al Thornton
Barangay Ginebra – Othyus Jeffers
Mahindra – Augustus Gilchrist
Alaska – Rob Dozier
Talk 'N Text – Ivan Johnson
Rain or Shine – Wayne Chism
After the Blackwater Elite advanced to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Philippine Cup, only Mahindra was allowed to bring in an import with no height limit. The Elite settled on Gilchrist, who stands 6-10.
Like Meralco, San Miguel, GlobalPort, Barako Bull and Star are either finalizing deals or are still in the hunt for an import.