TNT first-choice import Maxiell goes over the height limit

FILE– Jason Maxiell #54 of the Detroit Pistons tries to recover a loose ball. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images/AFP

Former NBA center Jason Maxiell won’t be able to suit up for Tropang TNT this 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The hulking reinforcement, who previously played for Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets in the NBA, went over the height limit as he was measured 6-foot-5 11/16 on Friday at the PBA office in Libis.

TNT team manager Virgil Villavicencio said the team had initially feared that Maxiell wouldn’t make the height limit of 6-foot-5 for the third conference.

“We already had an unofficial measurement and sumobra nga sya. It’s unfortunate but we have to go by the rules.”

Maxiell has been practicing with the Tropa since Monday, and TNT management is now scampering to find a replacement import.

Villavicencio said that TNT always had a plan B and are hoping to strike a deal over the weekend.

“May second choice import naman kami, but we’re still discussing it,” he said. “We were in negotiations before, and if we can iron it out over the weekend, we’ll be flying him at the soonest.”

Lebanese shooter Michael Madanly is also set to be TNT’s Asian import for the season-ending conference.