NLEX likely to play all-Filipino vs. Blackwater as Jonathon Simmons gets new CBA offer

NLEX has reportedly let go of Jonathon Simmons and might play Blackwater with an all-Filipino roster.

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Jonathon Simmons, one of the much-anticipated imports for the PBA Governors' Cup, might not see action for NLEX at this conference.

Head coach Frankie Lim revealed on Tuesday that the former NBA veteran has received an offer from a Chinese Basketball Association team and that he is willing to let go of him.

"Meron siyang offer sa China so ang sabi ko, 'Sige lumarga ka, hanap na lang kami ng iba," Lim said in a report posted in the PBA website.

He did not disclose which team is looking to lure Simmons back to the CBA, but the 33-year-old shooting guard starred for the Shanxi Loongs last season, averaging 17.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.3 steals a game.

PBA rules state that the teams must inform the league of an import change by 12 p.m. the day before their scheduled games.

Still, according to the report, the Road Warriors did not inform the institution of Simmons' fate by noontime Tuesday, which means Simmons is still listed as part of their lineup for Wednesday's game against the Blackwater Bossing at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

With Simmons' impending departure, NLEX could likely play all-Filipino against Blackwater.

"Baka hindi na lumaro sa Wednesday," Lim said of Simmons' situation.

However, Lim also said that team manager Larry Fonacier is now working to recruit a new foreign reinforcement to replace Simmons.

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