CHICAGO - His departure back home to California last April 2023 marked an anxious time when TNT longed for Mikey Williams in a way that bordered on desperation.
The yearning was so intense it pierced through the fog of uncertainty that followed.
And why not?
Williams, with his nimble feet and hair-trigger release, was their star player. A two-time champ and a two-time Finals MVP, he was face of the MVP group's flagship team in the PBA.
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But as the months of chasing turned a year old this past April, the doggedness of TNT's pursuit has faded.
And in the grief of yet another early playoffs exit, the second straight without their disgruntled gunner, TNT's interest in Mikey have sunk below sea levels.
Apparently, the telephone giant is moving on from Williams. This time, for good. Their patience, tested through the fire, has been exhausted to the point of empty.
A few players and a couple MVP group officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity told me that the Tropang Giga will no longer allow Mikey to return and that the team will instead devote its energy to searching for a replacement.
'NO COMMENT'
When confronted with these claims, TNT coach Chot Reyes had little to say via text message.
"No comment."
In our line of business, a "no comment" in lieu of a terse denial usually means a "yes" to what is being reported.
I reached out to Mikey Williams to get his side but he didn't respond to my text message.
It appears that one of the PBA's most successful, albeit short, partnerships has been torn asunder. And as someone who had reported on this contentious relationship for years, I don't blame either side for the break-up.
TNT, according to a person who helped iron out one of Mikey's prior contracts, had an offer for him to come back and be paid the same generous salary plus five-star perks that supposedly includes a 24-hour driver and swanky living conditions for free.
WHO'S TO BLAME?
Having done everything they could, including reaching out to some of Mikey's known associates, I don't see how TNT gets guilt diarrhea over losing a franchise player with a unique skill and license to thrill.
When your love and affection is unrequited, you turn your back, and that appears to be what TNT has done.
But it's hard to hate on Mikey, either. He just wants what he believes is his worth and since we've never sprinted on his sneakers, we will never comprehend what that true value is.
Being unable to reconcile with his former team doesn't mean Mikey is a bad guy. What's being exhibited here is normal human behavior: Productive when motivated, disruptive when slighted.
TNT is an outstanding organization. Mikey is a good guy.
Why couldn't they just get along?
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