Tony Bishop downplays banged-up knee as playoffs near for Ginebra

Tony Bishop assured the Barangay Ginebra faithful that his minor knee problem won't dampen his and his team's performances in the looming playoff rounds of the 2023 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Ginebra's multi-titled head coach Tim Cone revealed that the US-born import hurt his knee during one of their practices prior to their game against NorthPort on Sunday. In fact, Cone said that the 34-year-old reinforcement was actually a game-time decision prior to the match.

The injury was hardly noticed as Bishop still came out effective, putting together a team-high 26 points on top of 16 rebounds, five steals, two assists, and two blocks as Ginebra improved to 7-3 to remain in the twice-to-beat race.

"It's swelling but all the ligaments are intact so it's just a matter of maintenance and getting it iced to keep it from swelling," Cone shared in the post-game interview.

"But there's no surgery or rehab involved."

Bishop echoed Cone, saying there's nothing to be concerned about and vowed to even get better as they look to book the playoff incentive.

"It's no concern. Don't worry about it. I'm a tough player and it's part of the game," Bishop said.

"Going into the playoffs, I don't know anybody who's not banged-up so for me, I'll continue to work hard and it's part of being a pro."

With Bishop integrating well within his system, Cone stressed there's no need to find a replacement, especially deep into this conference where they are one game away from closing out the elimination round.

Cone also underscored the stability that Bishop brings in despite not being as explosive as his counterparts, averaging just 22.11 points, 11.89 rebounds, 3.44 assists, 2.33 steals, and 1.11 blocks.

"I think that’s really crucial (sticking with Bishop). We have a complicated system and you need to grow within the system. You need to have time to grow within the system and we don't expect guys to come in and pick it up right away," Cone added.

"Tony really worked hard from day one to integrate himself to what we do and as you can see, he's getting better and better at it. And that's the whole point — be better and better at it and be where he wants to be come playoff time."

Almost half of the teams have already made an import switch with the likes of TNT replacing its reinforcements twice while San Miguel tapped Bennie Boatwright in lieu of Ivan Aska. Meralco also had to sign Zach Lofton to replace Suleiman Braimoh.

NLEX, meanwhile, let go of Thomas Robinson and tapped Stokley Chafee while Rain or Shine has gone on a streak since acquiring Demetrius Treadwell and release initial import Dajuan Summers.

For Cone, sticking with Bishop has worked wonders for Ginebra and could spell the difference in their title-retention bid.

"I think that's a huge advantage over the other teams because we do have that continuity and that belief in what we do," Cone said.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News