After releasing Thomas Robinson, NLEX will be rolling the dice on a young import when it continues its campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.
NLEX team manager Larry Fonacier yesterday welcomed the arrival of Stokley Chaffee Jr., who will be replacing Robinson as reinforcement in the season-opening conference.
Fonacier said firing a quality talent like Robinson was “a difficult but necessary decision” after he took an unplanned vacation in Palawan and Boracay without the blessing of the Road Warriors management.
Prior to that, he figured in a heated verbal altercation with NorthPort governor Erick Arejola and team manager Pido Jarencio in the aftermath of their 112-104 win over the Batang Pier last Wednesday.
Robinson, a former Kansas star who was drafted ahead of National Basketball Association All-Stars like Damian Lillard, Draymond Green, Khris Middleton in 2012, averaged 34.50 points, 13.50 rebounds, 1.75 steals and 1.75 blocks in his four games with the Road Warriors in which they posted a 2-2 card.
But the Road Warriors had seen enough.
“Thomas Robinson’s departure from the NLEX Road Warriors was a difficult but necessary decision,” Fonacier said in a statement.
“We value discipline, commitment, and teamwork, and unfortunately, his taking an unplanned vacation and skipping team practices, compromised these principles.”
“The team’s success depends on a collective effort and a shared commitment, and we will continue to uphold these standards as we forge ahead in the season.”
With Robinson already out, the Road Warriors tapped the 26-year-old Chaffee, who will be coming in as the second-youngest import this conference behind 25-year-old Tyler Bey.
Listed at 6-foot-9, Chaffee played small forward in his previous international assignments, including in Finland in which he averaged 16 points and close to 10 rebounds per game.
Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Tennessee State alum is regarded as an athletic swingman with feather touch from the outside and great handles with solid post moves.
But what impressed the Road Warriors is his attitude, making him a good ambassador of the team.
“I’m really happy and excited. It’s something new for me,” Chaffee said.
“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, but rather high expectations. There are expectations from me not only on the court but also off the court, and, obviously, to win. I hope I can meet those expectations.”
