In a bit of surprise move, the Serenity Valley Browncoats announced the acquisition of PF Fabio Maltoni today. With only three games left in the season, the Browncoats would appear to be on the outside looking in for the playoffs, sitting in 6th place with not only games to make up but a fairly substantial point differential. It seems unlikely that the addition of Maltoni to the roster will be enough to push the team to a playoff spot.
"While we certainly would love to make the playoffs this season," said GM Burke, "this move wasn't about that. This was an opportunity to bring a in a very solid player, whose experience and athleticism can help the team for many seasons to come. If it turns out we nab a playoff berth, great, but that wasn't the motivation."
Maltoni has played extensively throughout Europe, most recently with Pécsi Sasok in Hungary. While showing a lot of promise in his few seasons in his native Italy, Fabio has become more of a solid team player rather than the star some once thought he would be. Coach J.J. Russell looks to play him primarily at the small forward, although he has the versatility to play all of the front court positions if needed. "I haven't really seen him play yet, so I don't know what to tell you," laughed Russell when asked about Maltoni. "We'll throw him out there and see what works over the next couple of games. Right now, I'm more concerned about trying to move up in the standing, and having another solid veteran like Fabio can't hurt."