Former NBA vet Shabazz Muhammad to replace Orlando Johnson in SMB

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

It seemed like the San Miguel Beermen are going all in this 2022 PBA Governor’s Cup conference.

Despite a stellar performance by import Orlando Johnson during their last game with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, the San Miguel coaching staff still pushed with their decision of replacing him with former Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Shabazz Muhammad for the rest of the conference.

Johnson only played a total of two games for the Beermen and had one of his worst PBA games during his SMB debut when he only scored 12 points on 3/22 shooting from the field.

The Philippine Star via Quinito Henson first confirmed the development and said that Muhammad will be arriving in the country this week to quickly reinforce the Beermen.

Several months ago, Muhammad was supposed to play for the Meralco Bolts but had to beg off at the last minute when he said that family matters urged him with his decision.

Muhammad was a former first round pick during the 2013 NBA draft and had five long years with the Timberwolves before taking his talents to different international professional leagues around the world.

Before deciding to take his talents to the Philippines, Muhammad dazzled in the NBA G League and played for the Grand Rapids Gold.

The leftie scorer will look to improve the Beermen’s current 4-3 record in the ongoing Governor’s Cup and will have the chance to team up with June Mar Fajardo, Terrence Romeo, Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, and CJ Perez.