The Absence of Fajardo and Slaughter: A Blessing in Disguise for the PBA?

For the first since 2012, the PBA will not be having June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter causing problems to their opposing big men. And that's just sad considering the fact that when both giants are healthy, PBA fans are always in for a classic gladiator match up between these Cebu-based cagers.

While Greg Slaughter whose contract with the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings has recently expired, is healthy, he has decided to take a break away from the Gin Kings to "learn more aspects of himself" and that move actually caught Tim Cone by surprise. Tim Cone is reported to be meeting with GregZilla in the coming days to further discuss matters. 

June Mar Fajardo on the other hand, is likely out for the entire 45th season of the PBA due to a fracture in his right tibia. An injury that he sustained during a team practice. Whether or not he will rediscover his once-dominant self once healthy is something that nobody can predict but doctors say that it's generally possible. Whether that will happen in the latter months of the season or the next season entirely is another question on its own. 

No Greg Slaughter

No June Mar Fajardo

For the Philippine Cup. And possibly the entire season(?)

To begin with, the absence of both Slaughter and Fajardo isn't bad for the PBA at all.

The San Miguel Beermen, with a few fixes here and there, should be able to compete for their sixth-straight all-Filipino cup championship. Ginebra, coached by the great Tim Cone, should be able to go deep into the playoffs without Slaughter as they are now equipped with a Stanley Pringle. But more importantly, the unfortunate absence of two of the best big men in the PBA should give a chance for the rest of the field to hone their skills and try to level up the competition.

Guys like Ian Sangalang, Kyle Pascual Nonoy Baclao, Rodney Brondial, Japeth Aguilar, Raymond Almazan, JP Erram, Christian Standhardinger, among others should use this blessing in disguise as an opportunity to show us fans that yes, they can compete at a high level if not to the same level as of that of Fajardo and Slaughter. While Fajardo and Slaughter are basically the Twin Tower of power of the PBA, it doesn't mean that they are going to stay there in a long period of time. 

Photo is from inquirer.net