Both defensive numbers and also eyeball test bears this out. Scola was way better in his rookie season in terms defense than he is today. Remember his rookie season when he used to foul like crazy cos he still wasn't used to the rules, he was still miles ahead of where he is today. I would rather he cut down on his offense and focus more on his defense, that would contribute more to the team.
MIA 7'6" big man to play clean up down the middle. If found please return to Houston Rockets at once.
No he always has that little chest bump and then flop like being shot in the head. I love Scola though.
I've noticed his game has been off lately, and I have a theory. He thinks he's going to be traded. Maybe it's my poor memory, but the last time he thought he was going to be moved, his play was affected in a negatory way. Luis loves Houston, loves his teammates, and is a very loyal guy. Perhaps that's behind his recent problems on the court. If so, he better snap out it it, fast. No one here is a bigger fan of Luis than I am, but the guy needs to wake up and smell the coffee. We need 20/9 Scola, who's at least decent on defense. That Luis has gone on hiatus.
I do think him and Brooks have looked off especially in rotations this season, it might be just me paying more attention this season but to me they both are worst defenders than last season.
Your theory holds no ground. I like Luis a lot too,but he is overwhelmed by bigger/taller athletic 4/5's. His offense is suffering too. His scrappy stealing is gone,which is disappointing. He might do better coming off the bench. Let Patterson start.
We are in trouble cos every PF he will face will be taller and more athletic than he is. And the ones who aren't taller will be built like tanks and stronger than he is.
His defense is about the same, but his rebounding is regressed. Maybe because opponents are paying more attention to him now.
In order to focus on offense, he has to give up some defense. It is normal for some critical players like Scola.
I can agree that this is at least part of his problem. When a guy who is a true professional tells the media that the thought of being traded is affecting him then rest assured that it is. We also need to remember that he is 30 and has played a lot of basketball over the last ten years.
