MANILA, Philippines – In less than a month, Magnolia Hotshots introduce their fourth import for the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.

In the ongoing PBA Governors’ Cup, the Magnolia Hotshots are about to make another big move as they bring in a new import for the fourth time in less than a month. Just in time for Game 2 of their best-of-five quarterfinal series against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Magnolia will bring back former NBA star Jabari Bird in an attempt to bolster their team. At the Sta., the Hotshots will take the court. Rosa Multipurpose Sports Complex in Laguna on Friday in an effort to recover from a difficult Game 1 defeat.

With numerous roster changes, Magnolia is still searching for the perfect fit, and this is just another chapter in their tumultuous import journey. Success has eluded them despite their best efforts, particularly following a close defeat to Rain or Shine in the quarterfinal round. The team finished the match with 109 points.

Jabari Bird Returns to Magnoli: The 30-year-old guard is coming back to Magnolia after playing for the Boston Celtics for two seasons in the past. The Celtics selected him in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft after he demonstrated his professional potential. Rayvonte Rice, who underperformed during his brief tenure with the Hotshots, will now be replaced by Bird.

Rayvonte Rice made two appearances for Magnolia as a stand-in for an ailing Shabazz Muhammad. Regretfully, Rice’s play did not live up to the squad’s expectations because the team lost both games while he was playing. In the first quarterfinal game, he made his most recent debut when the Hotshots lost to Rain or Shine by a devastating four points. Rice didn’t play well enough to win the game, so the squad decided it was time for another substitution.

It is believed that Bird’s return to Magnolia was a planned action intended to give the squad a lift offensively. He is acquainted with the team’s system and has played for Magnolia in the past, which may enable him to fit in and contribute right away to their postseason run. But before Game 2, Bird will have to be measured during PBA office hours to make sure he fits the league’s import height requirement.

This conference, Magnolia’s path has been characterized by frequent adjustments to its import lineup. When Glenn Robinson III was first brought on by the organization, there were great expectations for the seasoned NBA veteran. Robinson’s tenure with the Hotshots was brief, though, as Shabazz Muhammad took over for him after just a few games. It was anticipated that Muhammad, a former San Miguel import from two years earlier, would offer leadership and consistency on the floor. Sadly, Muhammad’s sore knee prevented him from playing, necessitating yet another roster change.

After Muhammad was hurt, Rayvonte Rice took over, but he was unable to improve Magnolia’s situation. After the club lost back-to-back games during Rice’s two games, he was benched in favor of Jabari Bird. Questions have been raised concerning the stability of the team and whether the Hotshots’ inability to build momentum and cohesion is being hampered by the team’s frequent changes to the import position.

The Hotshots’ ongoing rotation of foreign players is not ideal, particularly during the crucial postseason phase. To win the PBA Governors’ Cup, teams need their imports to perform well, and Magnolia hasn’t been able to identify a player who can perform well under duress on a regular basis. With his NBA background and time spent with Magnolia, Bird may finally be able to offer the steadiness and offensive punch that the Hotshots sorely lack, the team’s management hopes.

There is still hope for the Hotshots despite their obstacles. In Game 2 of the quarterfinal series against Rain or Shine, the team is still optimistic that they can win. Jabari Bird’s comeback is anticipated to infuse the club with new life, and his experience with the league and the Hotshots’ system may offer them a competitive advantage going ahead.

In an effort to tie the series, head coach Chito Victolero and his staff will be aiming to take advantage of Bird’s speed, shooting skill, and defensive prowess.