NLEX is pulling out all the stops to have import Jonathon Simmons play for the team in its PBA Governors Cup debut against Blackwater on Wednesday.
The former NBA player apparently has yet to get a FIBA clearance from his team in the Chinese Basketball Association on the eve of the Road Warriors' 3 p.m encounter with the Bossing.
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But NLEX isn't giving up on securing a clearance, even at the last minute.
If everything else fails, the team is ready to play without an import.
"Ginagawan pa naman ng paraan. But there's a chance na baka maglaro rin kami ng walang import," a team officiial who asked not to be named said.
Simmons, who played for San Antonio, Orlando, and Philadelphia in the NBA, continued to practice for the Road Warriors.
"Nasa practice siya kanina and ok naman ang practice niya and ng buong team," the same insider said.
Even if granted clearance, Simmons' stint with NLEX could be a short one as the import only plans to play with the Road Warriors until Feb 5 or 6 before returning to China where a bigger offer awaits him.
"Makaka-apat na games pa siya sa amin kung sakali," added the NLEX insider.
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