You're right. My post came out a bit wrong. What I meant to say is, Howard should not be the benchmark for which Scola should be compared to. Because he simply wasn't a great mid-range shooter. If Scola shoots like Juwan, he'd actually be a disappointment rather than a contributer.
guys, i m starting to worry.... can this man dunk at all? i have never seen he did.. he could have dunked at least twice in those shots he made in this match.... damnn he seems to be a pretty soft guy....
he can dunk, he just chooses to save his energy. at least when he lays the ball off the glass he makes the shot.
Not dunking has nothing to do with softness... yes, he can dunk: <object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PD9ZgFDK9VA"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PD9ZgFDK9VA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object> <object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ngzC51w8DrI"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ngzC51w8DrI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object> <object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aFRVVoJuM04"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aFRVVoJuM04" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object> <object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kuArqIHJJko"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kuArqIHJJko" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>
Too many back to back games can limit the dunks that Luis can do. I am sure he will be doing that during the season.
FYI if anyone wants to watch some of the Argentina games, the majority are available as full game archives on NBA.com Argentina vs Uraguay Argentina vs Puerto Rico Argentina vs Panama Argentina vs Venezuela Those links should open up your media player (if it doesn't work just copy link location and open url in your media player)
Did you even have to worry about it? If you want a dunker, we can always trade Scola for Stromile Swift... the Grizzlies would love to get a player of Scola's qualities, despite him not dunking when he had opportunities to do so.
Well, it's not the numbers as much as that he's looked a little slow to me. But again, it's just hard to judge because the NBA game is so different then the international game. The NBA is so fast and powerful, and the defense is definitely stronger. But that being said, I'm not knocking Scola, I'm definitely excited about having him, I'm just not going to say he's going to be a star until I see how it goes. I've been disappointed too many times before. But I do think he'll at the very least be able to serve Juwon Howard's role, and probably shoot a higher percentage. His rebounding though hasn't looked all that great. And I will admit that I haven't had a chance to watch more then a part of the game, so I can't really say either way what will happen. I'm just not on the Scola bandwagon yet, and probably won't be until I see how it all works out.
At the same time, Scola's BB IQ and shooting range is obviously better than average if you compare him to average PFs of the league...he may not have stalwart defensive skills of some like (Hilario, Hunter, Rose, or Gooden)...but he is already better offensively than about half of the league's starting pfs.
No issue with you on those points. I think people here generally acknowledge that Scola will at most be only a solid starting rotation player; I do not see anyone trumpeting him as All-Star material or franchise rescuer like what the masses are saying about Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. I do think however, that the excitement around here on Scola is due to the fact that he brings much more to the table than our last few power forwards. I am certain (and I believe alot of people share this sentiment) that Scola is an upgrade over Messrs. Hayes, Howard, Swift, etc. He has been demonstrating his skills in his old league and in international play for many years; even his most recent performances in the FIBA Americas 2007 tournament clearly showcase his wide skillset. Unless you are getting a Duncan, Boozer, Brand, Garnett, etc., Scola is comparitively better than at least half (if not 3 quarters) of the starting power forwards in this league. Another big factor that adds to the excitement is his character. As evident from his numerous interviews, he doesn't proclaim himself to be Tim Duncan back in Spain or Argentina. It is obvious he is first and foremost a team player. It is obvious that he wants to improve himself in every way he can. It is obvious he wants to contributes his best to the Rockets cause. These characteristics are a breath of fresh air compared to one of our former rookies who has caused so much (many?) dramatics in the team, organisation and league that we have become a laughing stock to many outsiders (and insiders). For me, class and character go a long long way in the sports world and in this game. Ultimately, it is my (our) strongest wish for Scola to be successful with us and help the team reach the next level.
This is the thing about Scola like you said he doesn't have to be great or even all-star...if he did...That would be awesome and fantastic for Houston. you have to consider we have weak links anywhere in out starting lineup Yao (the league's real best center) Scola (good shooting range, decent passer, and upgrade over Hayes/howard) Battier (one of the better defenders in league...he doesn't have to score at all now, we'll still be in good shape) T-Mac (nothing needs to be said) Francis (good scorer, spark points), James (same as Francis, but not quite as good, but as better shooting range), and Alston (best passer of the group, but isn't necessarily needed)
this I particularly agree with. it isnt that we think he will be a all star or even a huge star....just be a good solid power forward for us that we can depend on to complement our main guys. Im not gonna say he is "can't miss" but everything I have seen of him is encouraging. Skills, smarts, experience, actual PF size and a hard working character...whats not to like? I dont see folks blowing this out of proportion, I think most of us have learned the lesson of over-reaching expectations based on small sample sizes. That is why I am catching every game I can find...I want more data to base my discussions/expectations on. I *reallly* dont see another Boki (take too long to develop) or Span (not mentally strong enough for the NBA life) here....his attitude and experience (at the time they joined the team) dwarfs both of those guys easily.
Scola can definitely dunk. See the tons of youtube dunk highlights where he dunks on guys. He's definitely not soft.....when you watch his games, you'll see that he goes strong to the rim. Anyways, you don't just try to dunk the ball every time....you use the play that is the most effective reading what the defenses are using against you. But, there's more to Scola's game. What's more important is that he seems to understand what is needed to make an impact offensively. I've seen him hit shots from all angles all over the floor inside the 3 point line. His bank shot will make him extremely effective in the NBA because I noticed that he uses it to hit shots at angles most would not normally expect. He's not just a decent passer....he's an excellent passer. He moves very well off the ball. He has an array of strong post moves in the post including hook shots, shake and bakes, spins, stutter steps and fadeaways. He's excellent finishing on the fast break. He has pretty good handles and can put the ball on the floor. He takes charges and is full of energy. Scola brings a lot to the table....and who knows he might turn out to be a borderline all-star. Boki and Vspan were guys in their early 20s where we were trying to project what they might develop into and trying to make a name for themselves. Scola is a mature experienced pro player who is already polished and looking to be a missing piece of a championship team. Scola already has a long track record in international play where we can see all his strenghts and what he brings to the table. We do have a lot of talent this year. Yao--best center in the league Scola--promising prospect power forward (best power forward in Europe) Battier--excellent defensive player Tmac--superstar Francis--former 3 time allstar Bonzi--former Spurs killer James--good backup, former 20 point scorer Brooks--Team Select member and fastest member, promising rookie Head--one of the top fg% 3 point shooters in the league last year Mutombo (assuming he signs) one of the best per 48 minute shotblockers in the league.
And he's a more exciting prospect than anything else that was available in the free agent market that we could afford.
you were doing okay until you said tmac is a superstar. superstars can carry their teams to win playoff 1st rounds, a la bron bron. superstars are relentless, they will impose their will and drive to the basket and either make the shot or at least get fouled and shoot free throws. superstars will always post up their man if they have a height advantage - 6'8" against 6'1" derek fisher, and just score at will, a la clyde drexler, MJ, dwade. superstars do not settle on 18-22 feet jumpshots or jacking up unneccessary 3s. tmac is no superstar!
lawl you seem to have much higher standards as to who you bestow the title "superstar". by your standards there aint but maybe two true "superstars" in this league. relax hoss...it aint all that black and white. McGrady is enough of a "superstar" that every team he faces has to key their defense on tryin to keep the ball out of his hands. all that other subjective stuff on what makes a "superstar" is just your opinon. the REAL basketball coaches and scouts think McGrady is a "superstar" as you can tell by how they key their defenses against him. Ill trust their opinions over yours anyday....k?
T-Mac is superstar....Kobe is superstar and he can't get his sorry team out of the first round....There was year the Lakers didn't make the playoffs, but Kareem was the MVP of the league....Wade had Odom, Grant, and Eddie Jones in his first year in the playoff and they were in the Eastern conference, while he won the championship with Shaq, Williams, Walker, Zo, and more. You need core of good players to go deep playoffs and judging by Houston's record setting 67 points scored by 4 players is something that showed Houston had no business in the 2nd Round.
