It is not yet a raging fire yet, however the fires are beginning to hiss and crackle.

Some other possible drama, this time starring Mikey Williams, is occurring at TNT Tropang Giga, which defeated Phoenix in its PBA Governors’ Cup debut on Wednesday evening.

Then something unusual happened in their manner to a 123-119 win.

Williams, the squad’s greatest player, came off the work surface. His existing deal supposedly pays him slightly more than $1 million, along with at least $250,000 in signing bonuses and money up front after having signed.

Mikey was capable of securing a massive deal from TNT by leveraging a possible departure for the NBL in Australia, according to Williams’ former representatives. There without, he would be lucky to acquire half of what he does now.

Williams, an entire rookie since TNT enlisted him two years ago, looked lost and uncoordinated as a contingency fund, trying to make only 3-of-12 field goals and going 1-for-7 from distance.

Williams, the PBA’s freshman of the Year in 2021, quickly had become a dull shooter and finished with just 9 points in 27 minutes and 34 seconds of underwhelming play.

That is subject to change at any moment. I just want Jaydee (rookie Frederick Tungcab) to have a chance to develop. Besides, new TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa told me that it doesn’t matter whether he begins or not.

This is not a benching. He is even now getting valuable playing time. However, like the rest of the people, he should make his minutes count, whether they are 28 or 36, according to Lastimosa.

Jolas, one of the best players in PBA history, speculated that damage might have played a role in his choice to bench the 6-foot-2, 190-pound guard.

Simply bringing him back in shape. During the postseason, he was injured and missed one week during training.

That is a little difficult to take in.

A player who can perform nearly 28 minutes off the bench is clearly good enough to begin.

Mikey thrives on the pride and privilege of being a rookie, the first on the floor, and the last to end up leaving. If they are on the active roster, they are expected to be among the starting lineup.

According to sources, Mikey despises Lastimosa, who restricted Williams last October for missing practice. Now, Lastimosa was TNT’s team manager, a role he still maintains while also instructing.

It is questionable whether Williams engaged in another infraction that resulted in him losing his starting job.

What is certain is that Lastimosa will not tolerate any prima donnas at TNT. His job is to toughen the young men he finally led into battle. He is not there to assuage the dissatisfied.

However, given Mikey’s salary and stature, benching him may not be sustainable in the end.

As well as the possibility of him leaving for rival SMC if things do not, work out within the MVP Group adds a new layer of speculation to this delicate situation.

What a difficult situation TNT is in.