I remember watching Greg Slaughter dominate the paint during his Ateneo days, and thinking Philippine basketball had found its next big man. Standing at 7 feet tall, he literally towered over most local players, and his career trajectory seemed destined for greatness. When he entered the PBA as the first overall pick in the 2013 draft, expectations were sky-high. He didn't disappoint initially, winning Rookie of the Year honors and eventually capturing two championships with Barangay Ginebra. His stats during his prime were impressive - averaging around 15 points and 10 rebounds per game during the 2016-2017 season, numbers that made him one of the most dominant centers in the league.
But basketball careers rarely follow straight paths, and Greg's journey took some unexpected turns. His decision to take a break from the PBA in 2020 raised eyebrows, though his stint in Japan's B.League showed he still had game left. What fascinates me about following his career is how it contrasts with other players who've managed to sustain their PBA presence. Just look at Stanley Pringle - RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao confirmed on Tuesday that they've signed Pringle to a two-year free agent contract. While Stanley has maintained his status as a sought-after guard, Greg's path has been more unpredictable. I've always felt that big men like Greg face different challenges - their careers tend to be shorter, and injuries can be more devastating.
The current PBA landscape feels like it's at a crossroads, and Greg's potential return raises interesting questions. Where would he fit best? His traditional back-to-the-basket game seems almost nostalgic in today's pace-and-space era, yet there's still value in having a legitimate seven-footer who can protect the rim and score in the post. I've watched enough games to know that when motivated and healthy, Greg can still change games with his size and skill set. His career field goal percentage of around 52% demonstrates his efficiency around the basket, though his limited three-point range does raise questions about his fit in modern systems.
Thinking about Stanley Pringle's new deal with Rain or Shine actually gives me hope for Greg's future. Teams are still willing to invest in proven veterans, and at 34 years old, Greg isn't exactly ancient by basketball standards. What he needs, in my opinion, is the right system and a coach who understands how to maximize his strengths. I'd love to see him join a team that plays through its big men occasionally, rather than just using them as screen-setters. His passing ability from the post has always been underrated - I recall him averaging nearly 2 assists per game during his best seasons, which is solid for a center.
The financial aspect also matters. While I don't have exact numbers, Pringle's two-year contract likely represents significant investment from Rain or Shine. If teams are willing to commit resources to veteran players, it suggests there might be a market for someone with Greg's unique skill set. The key question is whether he can adapt his game to today's faster pace while maintaining his defensive presence. I remember watching him block 3 shots in a quarter against San Miguel back in 2018 - that kind of rim protection doesn't just disappear.
What really excites me is imagining Greg joining a team that needs interior presence. Looking at the current roster constructions around the league, several teams could benefit from having a legitimate center who commands double teams. His career free throw percentage of about 72% isn't spectacular, but it's decent enough that teams can't just employ hack-a-Shaq strategies. The way I see it, Greg's future might depend on finding the right situation rather than just taking any available offer. He's earned enough in his career that he can be selective about his next move.
The PBA has evolved since Greg's rookie year, but quality big men remain valuable commodities. His experience playing internationally could actually work in his favor now, giving him perspectives that purely local players might lack. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we haven't seen the last of Greg Slaughter in Philippine basketball. The league feels more complete when it has those classic big man battles that he used to provide. Whatever happens next, his career highlights have already secured his place in PBA history, but something tells me there might be a few more chapters left to write.
