Standhardinger labels trade rumors as ‘scams’

Recovering from a left knee injury, the last thing San Miguel Beer rookie Christian Standhardinger is giving heed to are trade rumors circling around him.

The 6-foot-8 Standhardinger, No. 1 overall pick in last year’s PBA draft, has missed the team’s last two games against NLEX on June 23 and TNT KaTropa on June 16, sparking speculations he could be on the trading block.

The last time the Fil-German played was in a 98-94 SMB loss to GlobalPort last June 13 where he went scoreless in 11 minutes and 35 seconds on 0-for-4 shooting from the field.

Standhardinger brushed off the whispers though.

“I’m not worried about those scams,” he said. “I didn’t even hear about me getting traded anywhere. I think the San Miguel Beer organization is professional so far, and they are all professionals. So I’m pretty sure that I’ll be the first one to know if I’ll get traded or not.”

His current physical state is what vexes him more.

“Not being able to contribute (is frustrating),” said Standhardinger, who averages 12.20 points, 7.20 rebounds and 1.40 assists this conference as backup to four-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo.

“But I’m doing OK, I’m doing fine with my recovery. It’s nothing major, but it’s something you have to wait to be back 100 percent, and I don’t have to worry about anything else.”