Trading Scola or not is turning into another argument similar to whether AB or Lowry should start. I think it's time to trade Scola. Having a good big is part of the Rockets system. Scola partly fulfills that role but not entirely.
Ugh, thank you! I didn't check the GARM after the game, or I'dve had to reply to this thread earlier on. Scola is a solid, dependable, above-average player, but appears to me to be fatigued at this point in the season. Part of our loss last night (and not only last night) can be attributed to our rather weak bench - and it feels odd to say that, as we had such a strong bench in the last couple of seasons. We've had to over-play our starters, and they're all getting tired, guys. Too, there were other mistakes; missed shots, rookie/inexperienced gaffes, waffling D (although we did have some good to great moments with Defense last night, I was proud to note), etc. To address another point in the original first few posts, about Scola being clutch for the Argentinian team, isn't the NBA an all around tougher league than others around the world, at least in general? NBA's more phsyical...so if Scola can make it here and do fairly well, it stands to reason he'd do rather well elsewhere. I mean no disrespect to other leagues by saying this, just stating my own impressions. Lastly: Landry vs Scola - I think Scola is arguably the better player (more consistent at least), but probably what Landry brought to the table that Scola lacks, is explosiveness. When Landry was doing well, he was explosive, quick, very physical and seemed to motivate his team mates. I think that's what Brooks does also, to a different degree - pre-injury at least - bring some energy into an otherwise vanilla flavored game. We're missing that these days. I love Scola and he's my favorite player right now, but I have to say I love the Rockets more - so I'd be ok with trading him, but only for some one that really added what we need to the team (ie a decent Center).
Should Scola be traded...Yes but not because of last night's game. He has great value and that contract is a bargain for a 18-10 type player who hustles, plays smart and gives great leadership. We have two PF waiting in the wings and Scola would get a nice return, depending on the situation. He can't play defense but he does everything else pretty darn well, pair him with a legit defensive center and you have a winner!
I didn't want to post this question in such a stupid thread, but I also don't normally create separate threads everytime my knee jerks. So, that being said, doesn't Scola always slump half way through December through the middle of January? I think I even remember him talking about it last year.
I do not think he is that bad really I do not think he should be playing more than 25 to 30 min a game. When you play 35 to 40 min a game your gonna not be topnotch for every game that is just the way it is
Baron and Silas couldn't get along back in the day... Doubt that's changed much. Besides, I think it's pretty clear that Mike is trying to shed salary. Taking on Baron's contract would be counterproductive, even if the Bobcats did dump Crash for Cleveland's TPE.
He also said in a separate interview that last year the approach of the trade deadline really messed with his head (I'm paraphrasing here), that he had to block it out but he couldn't help but think about it. Don't know if one relates to the other, the trade deadline being a month after the middle of January, but one way or the other, it's something to watch. Or NOT watch. I usually know to turn off the TV at about midway through the 3rd quarter.
Scola doesnt need to be traded because the return value would not be that great. I would say he does not need to be playing any more than 32 min a game. Or in that case he should not be playing during the final mins in overtime either. His defense and passing is to sub-par to be playing in late game situations. Reasons are because, once he makes his move to the basket he is either going to Scola scoop and make it, or Scola scoop and miss it. The odds of him missing are highly greater than making it in these late game situations. Defense is going to tighten up and the refs are not going to bail him out with a foul. Scola has tunnel vision when going to the basket. We have passed up so many open threes because of this. And last but not least, it is alwayz the PF position that seems to kill us in these late game situation. (Brandon Bass, David West, Paul Milsap, Lamarcus Aldridge) I dont blame Scola, I blame RA
Yes, he also talked about this at the begining of this season. Doesn't help when he has a glass made player to play alongside him so he has to handle 2 positions against bigger opponents.
I deff don't think scola is the problem and all the knee jerk trades our dumb, but the ppl who think we can just add a defensive big and all our problems will be solved are dumber than the ppl who want to trade scola for one bad game. I think some of you guys forget how good yao was and the only player u could replace him with and have a shot at a ring with this team is dhoward and I think we all know that's not gonna happen. I don't even know if howard would solve our problems cause of his limitations on offense from time to time. Yao was a special special player he's on the level of lebron, wade, kobe thos types were literally u have to game plan for that player and can not be single covered. Yao was that good and this team was designed for yao to be the focal point. A defensive big would deff help us a lot but by no means would it solve our identity crisis. There's a reason why yao was still getting doubled and trippled teamed in the 5 games he played even off major injury every team still recognozed him as our best player now we don't have a clear number one that's our biggest problem along with defense and consistant play but with yao we would have been beasting this year and that's not me being a homer that's just how top players impact teams look how good we were defensivly all the years yao was in the middle and how much it has dropped off with out him
scola is not clutch this year, but i honestly feel thats a result of no other help and no allstars on the team.
I thought last year, Scola need more minutes to be more productive. But as proven this year, he seems to be tired most of the time down the stretch. I think Adelman should really reconsider his minutes in the 2nd half. Scola plays well mostly in the first half. Things i dont get is why Adelman likes to play him almost all of 3rd quarter. If he rest Scola with 3 mins left in the 3rd and have him back with 7 min mark in the 4th, Scola probably can play more affectively. Like many people said, i dont mind him being traded but it needs to be a good deal in return. I do want him to play for a contender as well. He's my favourite Rocket after Yao.
So you guys think PPat is going to do a better job on the elite PF's than Scola does?I remember not too lang ago we was all bit**ing about geting a good PF.Now we have one(not elite but good),and you want toget rid of him to start PPat?Pat can not guard elite PF's better than Scola does now! If Scola is going to get traded it's going to be to get a closer on this team, not to give the starting position to Pat.The guy has alot of upside but is still a rookie for f***k's sake.
Without Yao, Scola himself is not good enough for Houston's inside. Look at Lakers, Spurs, Celtics, they all have good insides which make them play more easily and steadily. Even Heats with Wade and James, they become better after Danpier comes. We really need a guy who can contribute on both offence and defense. Scola is not the guy.
The selfish side of me wants to keep him. That he can step on the court on any night and drop 20 to 30 points and anywhere from 10 to 20 rebounds while hustling non-stop is a luxury that only a handful of other teams have. His mid range jumper is automatic, and he's extremely crafty close to the basket. Sure, he has his weaknesses, but who doesnt? ....But then there's another part of me that feels like he deserves better. He deserves better than to play the prime of his career on a team that's likely going to remain non-competitive for at least another season, especially when there are a number of championship caliber teams that can use him right now. Luis has been a champion in international play and has displayed his talents on a global stage. It just seems like he deserves to have that opportunity in the NBA. I'm not saying to just give him away. The Magic could use him, and Brandon Bass + 2 first round picks sounds fair to me. Bass could start for the time being and eventually transition to the backup role for PP over time. Luis is 30 right now. He turns 31 in April. In all likelihood, he'll be able to continue at this rate for another season, maybe two, before he begins to regress as a player. No one can say he didnt give his all during his tenure here, and considering that we got him for V-Span, we've gotten incredible value. Perhaps its just the hopeless romantic in me, but I'd rather not see someone so gifted have his talents go to waste with us.
Um... Im sure PPat can do hellovalot better than Scola at guarding Elite PFs... Scola Practically doesn't guard them
I think I agree, though I do like what he's done as a Rocket. Love Scola's offense and his energy. His defense is pretty horrible. He has no awareness when guarding a player who is not holding the ball. He's an energy rebounder, but not a natural one. In addition, his age means his 'prime' will come and go quickly for someone who has not been in the league a long time. I think there would be some takers; teams that would really covet what he can do offensively.
I wanted to hold off, because I love Scola. But I wouldn't be apposed to trading him now. It's true that he hustles and can score, but he does play no defense. He was really good offensively in the first half last night, but he folded in the second half, mainly in the 4th. We were lucky AB came through big. I wouldn't mind trading Scola if we got a good, I mean good player in return.
