GINEBRA has found itself orphaned in the PBA Commissioner's Cup when import Josh Powell got an offer to join the Houston Rockets in time for the NBA playoffs.
Ginebra officials broke the news to the team after Powell played sparingly in a 73-83 loss to Alaska on Sunday night. Team governor Robert Non confirmed Powell's impending departure after the game.
“Sinabi niya nakatanggap siya ng call sa Houston (Rockets) kaninang umaga, early morning,” said a dejected Non.
The 6-8 Powell, a six-year NBA veteran who was part of two champion teams of the Los Angeles Lakers, went out on a low note as he went scoreless on 0-for-5 shooting in 15 minutes against the Aces.
He sat out the second half due to what TV reports said was a painful foot until news of his impending exit filtered out.
Non said they asked Powell if he could play in the second half and the former Laker suggested to play possibly for two minutes.
“Sabi niya I’ll try first two minutes in the second half. Eh huwag na lang siya maglaro kung ganun,” Non added.
With Powell suddenly out of the picture, the top Ginebra official said they are training their sight on either Andre Emmett, who once played for the Memphis Grizzlies, or Charles Thomas, a former standout of Arkansas.
Non said the team is leaning toward signing Emmett, listed at 6-5, so he could play for the Gin Kings all the way in the season-ending Governors Cup.
The third conference allows each team to tap a reinforcement no taller than 6-5.
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