The goal of the unlimited height restriction for imports was to make the PBA Commissioner’s Cup competitive enough for teams to go for a title with just one huge difference-maker.

It turned out to be a phony parity component. It improved the flavor but not necessarily the substance, much like MSG on chicken adobo.

Since TNT and Barangay Ginebra ultimately chose to stick with their 6-foot-6 resident reinforcements, they will now compete for the title.

What’s the story’s lesson?

Unrestricted rice simply fills the stomach; it doesn’t fulfill the soul.

Additionally, the quality of those inches is just as important as length. For example, Terrafirma paraded 7-foot Ryan Richards, who was replaced after being shown to be so feeble that he received a DNP.

Health is also very important. Ricardo Ratliffe was a good addition for Magnolia, but at 35, he appeared to have departed the Korean Basketball League (KBL) and the Korean national team, where he had played his finest years.

Due to a shoulder injury, the Hotshots were never able to fully appreciate Ratliffe’s strength.

The bottom conclusion is that quality imports, regardless of size, are costly.

Even though Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of TNT is reportedly earning $70,000 per month, I still believe he is undervalued. It’s safe to assume that Justin Brownlee is the highest-paid import in the PBA, and with good reason, given SMC’s acknowledged one billion peso yearly budget for basketball.

Not many teams are as profitable as TNT and SMC, therefore smaller teams lack the funds to hire top-tier personnel who are taller than six feet six.

According to some accounts, Converge spent $40,000 per month to recruit triple-double threat and former NBA player Cheick Diallo. However, the residents of FiberXers let him down.

It’s too late, too little.

It wasn’t until it was too late that NLEX signed an import. According to NBA sources, the Road Warriors negotiated a price and ultimately lost out on at least two excellent deals.

San Miguel Beer always had money, but they were unable to figure out how to use it to purchase a piece of reinforcement that would go well with June Mar Fajardo et al.

Rain or Shine demonstrated to everyone how to make the most of a small budget and ink a piece that fits. However, when it comes to assessing potential and personnel, coach Yeng Guiao is unmatched.

It is a victory for independent teams because the Elasto Painters advanced to the semifinals while Magnolia and SMC, who had larger budgets, took early vacations.

The Finals are still an SMC-MVP contest despite all the excitement and positive feelings surrounding extra large guys wandering the Commissioner’s Cup and upending the status quo.

Expected and dull.