San Miguel taps Shabazz Muhammad as replacement for Orlando Johnson
San Miguel is changing its reinforcement for the second time this conference.
After coming off a crucial win over Brgy. Ginebra on Sunday, the Beermen are reportedly bringing in a new import to replace Orlando Johnson.
The 32-year old Johnson struggled big time in his first game with the flagship team of the SMC group but rebounded strong against Justin Brownlee and the Gin Kings and was even chosen as Best Player of the Game. The 36th overall pick of the 2012 NBA draft scattered 31 points, hauled down 10 boards and issued 8 assists to lead the team past the defending champs, 110-102.
The game against his former team, however, is probably his last as former NBA player Shabazz Muhammad is reportedly arriving on Tuesday to take his place.
Sports personality Quinito Henson confirmed the development via ‘tweet’ on his Twitter account.
5-year NBA veteran Shabazz Muhammad arrives in Manila tomorrow morning to replace Orlando Johnson & will play for San Miguel Beer in PBA Govs Cup, he’s shown here with player agent Roger Jimenez pic.twitter.com/Xr2R2oiaH3
— Quinito Henson (@TheDeanQuinito) February 21, 2022
The 6-foot-6 Muhammad was taken by the Utah Jazz with the 14th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft, one notch higher than Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. He was supposed to suit up for the Meralco Bolts this conference but begged off at the last minute due to a personal matter.
The 29-year old American went on to play for the Grand Rapids in the G League but was waived last Dec. 22, making him finally available to play in the PBA.
The Beermen, currently tied for 5th place in the team standings with Phoenix Super LPG with identical 4-3 records, shoot for win number 5 on Wednesday, February 23 against the Fuel Masters at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
