The veteran mentor acknowledged Ginebra gave up an intergral part of its future in the 2018 first-round pick, but insisted the gains outweighs the losses as the team tries to salvage its campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
“It's always tough to give up a part of your future through first-round picks, especially for veteran players,” said Cone. “But Jeff obviously fills a big hole for us. His ability to spread the floor for Greg and Japeth could spell the difference.”
Cone admitted he has been targeting the former Gilas Pilipinas hotshot for the longest time now.
“We've been targeting him for months now because we have always seen him as a guy who can lift us to a higher level,” he said.
And Chan would definitely be a big help, especially with Ginebra ranking seventh in three-point shooting at 30-percent this conference.
He is averaging 11.56 points on a 35-percent shooting from threes through nine games with the Fuel Masters this conference.
Cone acknowledged that at 34, Chan may be approaching the twilight of his career. But if the Gin Kings manage to squeeze some quality minutes from him, the same way he has been doing with guys like Mark Caguioa and Jervy Cruz, the trade will be all worth it.
“If we can get two or three good years from Jeff, then the sacrifice of our first-round pick will be worth it,” he said.
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