Kent Salado's PBA Draft Journey: What Teams Are Interested in Him?

I still remember watching Kent Salado drain that incredible buzzer-beater during the 2019 PBA D-League Foundation Cup - the kind of moment that makes you sit up and take notice of a player's potential. Now, as the PBA draft approaches on September 17th, I find myself genuinely curious about which teams might be interested in this dynamic guard from Arellano University. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen countless prospects come and go, but there's something particularly compelling about Salado's journey. His recent statement, "I'd rather 'almost have it' than not get there," perfectly captures the mentality that makes him such an intriguing draft prospect despite the challenges he's faced.

The injury situation certainly complicates matters - Salado suffered an ACL tear in January 2022 that sidelined him for the entire 2022 PBA season. From my perspective, this isn't necessarily the career-ender some might assume. I've seen players like Chris Banchero return stronger from similar setbacks, and at 26 years old, Salado still has plenty of basketball ahead of him. The recovery timeline for ACL injuries typically ranges between 9 to 12 months, which means he should be approaching full fitness right around draft time. What teams need to consider is whether his explosive playing style can return to its pre-injury level. I believe it can - modern sports medicine has advanced tremendously, and his work ethic appears solid.

When I analyze potential fits, several teams stand out as particularly interesting destinations. The Blackwater Bossing, holding the number 1 pick, might look at Salado as a potential second-round steal if he's still available. They've been rebuilding their backcourt and could use his scoring punch off the bench. Then there's the NorthPort Batang Pier - they've shown willingness to take calculated risks on talented players with injury concerns before. Coach Bonnie Tan has demonstrated he can integrate players gradually, which would be perfect for Salado's situation. The Terrafirma Dyip represents another fascinating possibility. They've been collecting young talent and need backcourt depth desperately. Salado's ability to create his own shot would immediately address one of their biggest weaknesses.

What really stands out to me about Salado isn't just his physical tools - it's that mental toughness he referenced in his quote. In today's PBA, where the three-point shot has become increasingly important (teams are attempting roughly 28.5 per game compared to just 18.2 five years ago), his outside shooting could be valuable. During his last full season in the MPBL, he averaged 15.3 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 38% from beyond the arc. Those numbers translate well to the PBA level, especially for a backup guard role. I'm particularly impressed by his basketball IQ - he reads defenses well and makes smart decisions in pick-and-roll situations, something that should help him adjust to the professional game faster than many prospects.

The financial aspect can't be ignored either. As a potential second-round pick, Salado would likely command a much more team-friendly contract than established veterans. In a league where teams operate with salary caps around 60 million pesos, finding value in the draft is crucial. I estimate he'd likely sign for something in the range of 150,000 to 200,000 pesos monthly as a rookie - excellent value if he returns to even 80% of his pre-injury form. Teams looking to build depth without breaking the bank should be all over this opportunity.

There's also the international experience factor that often gets overlooked. Salado's stint with the Singapore Slingers exposed him to different styles of basketball and professional environments outside the Philippines. Having covered the ASEAN Basketball League extensively, I've seen how that experience accelerates player development. The discipline required playing overseas, adapting to different coaching styles, and dealing with travel demands - these intangible benefits could give him an edge over other prospects who've only played in local leagues.

What I keep coming back to is that quote about almost making it versus not trying at all. That mindset tells me he understands the journey ahead. The PBA isn't about immediate stardom for most players - it's about grinding, adapting, and seizing opportunities when they come. Salado appears to grasp this reality better than many highly-touted prospects who expect immediate playing time. His willingness to embrace the struggle, to value the pursuit itself, suggests he has the psychological makeup to handle the ups and downs of a professional career.

As draft day approaches, I'm personally hoping he lands with a team that has both the patience to manage his recovery properly and the need for his specific skill set. The worst scenario would be him going to a contender where he'd get buried on the bench without developmental minutes. He needs court time to rediscover his rhythm and prove he belongs at this level. The PBA has seen plenty of undersized guards succeed through determination and skill - think of Paul Lee or Mark Barroca during their early years. Salado has that same potential if placed in the right situation.

Ultimately, the teams that show interest in Kent Salado will be those who value potential over immediate production, who see the long game rather than just the upcoming season. They'll be organizations with strong medical staffs who can monitor his recovery, and coaches creative enough to utilize his unique talents. His journey represents exactly what makes the PBA draft so compelling - it's not just about the sure things, but about finding diamonds in the rough who possess both the physical tools and the mental fortitude to succeed at the highest level of Philippine basketball.