PBA: San Miguel acquires big man JM Calma from NorthPort

Northport big man JM Calma (left) is headed to San Miguel. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

San Miguel Beer added a frontcourt piece ahead of the PBA Philippine Cup by acquiring JM Calma in a trade with NorthPort.

The Beermen gave up seldom-used rookie Avan Nava and a second round draft pick in next season’s Draft in order to get Calma, who is expected to finally suit up after sitting out the first two conferences due to an ACL injury.

READ: PBA: Northport big man JM Calma suffers ACL injury

Calma is expected to provide some cover for June Mar Fajardo as San Miguel looks to get back on the right track after a stunning absence from the Commissioner’s Cup.

Despite usual expectations of being one of the contenders, the Beermen went 5-7 to finish 10th in the standings, missing the quarterfinals for the first time in 10 years.

Multiple import changes and the reappointment of Leo Austria as coach in lieu of Jorge Gallent early in the eliminations also affected San Miguel’s play despite the presence of Fajardo and the addition of Juami Tiongson from Terrafirma.

READ: PBA: JM Calma breaks out of slump to lead NorthPort

They’ll hope for a revival, with Calma aiming to show the same contributions he had with NorthPort.

Calma had been playing solid for the Batang Pier in the 2024 Philippine Cup with his production on both ends before going down with an ACL tear in a game against Barangay Ginebra in April last year.

He was averaging 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds for NorthPort in that conference prior to his injury.