MAGNOLIA is open to the option of finding a replacement for the hurting Shabazz Muhammad going to the playoffs of the PBA Governors Cup.
Coach Chito Victolero admitted management already has plan B mapped out in case the health condition of Muhammad doesn’t improve.
The 31-year-old Muhammad sat out the Hotshots’ Friday game against Northport owing to a swollen knee that was aggravated in the previous match against TNT.
“Yes, that’s an option (replacement import) because kung hindi rin naman healthy. We will try to see kung ano pa yung mangyayari kay Shabazz,” said Victolero of the import.
Shabazz said he’s dealing with knee tendinitis, but hopes he’ll be healthy enough to play in the playoffs.
But Victolero said everything has been explained to the former UCLA standout should management comes up with a decision to bring in a replacement import.
“Alam naman niya yung sitwasyon,” said the veteran coach. “Hopefully maka-decide kami kung ano yung puwede naming gawin.”
Victolero said the Hotshots opted to sit out Shabazz in the Northport game so as not to worsen his health condition.
READ: Magnolia opts not to play Shabazz Muhammad against NorthPort. Here’s why
“We don’t want to force him na baka ma-aggravate yung injury or lumala siya,” added Victolero, saying Magnolia also doesn’t want to compromise the career of the former NBA player.
Incidentally, Muhammad was also a replacement import as he came over to take the place of Glenn Robinson III.
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