When someone posts like what you are responding to, you can safely ignore it. Is he all world on D? Absolutely not, but he is far from "trash" or "horrible" or any number of hyperbolic terms some around here use. I have far more respect for a poster that says things like Scola isnt very good at defense, or actually has a valid criticism like "I wish he was better at man to man defense" or " I wish he was a shot blocker". There are many different aspects of defense, and anyone being fair to the discussion would acknowledge that fact and the fact that players can be good at certain aspects while failing in others. The sheer amount of hyperbole alot of folks use around here is one of the worst changes in the board discussion over the years.
The Rockets are an interesting combination of players. They play hard which is both admirable and fun to watch. Scola is maybe the best example, but Hayes and Lowry play above their abilities. A 6'6" center in the NBA is amazing. Lowry is a tank. Bud still struggles with confidence but gets on rolls. Scola is so consistent. I like the way the team hustles. The make the best of the limited talent they have. Martin is an elite offensive player, after that the Rockets are an excellent group of role players that would compliment at ALL Star in a big way. Maybe one of the best sets of role players in the league.
Amen. While Luis definitely struggles against the more athletic 4's (the good athletic 4's), he plays solid team D, and plays decent to better than decent man defense against the less athletic 4's in the league. Honestly, when I read the comments about his defense, sometimes I wonder if the member watches the games. Scola always, always plays hard, is one of the most intelligent players on the Rockets, and is a leader on the court. He knows how to play the game and how to play within his capabilities. He's also a real value for his contract (about $7.8 million this season). Scola gave us 16/7, with 2 blocks in 27 minutes last night on a bum knee, which was a remarkable performance. We're damned lucky to have him. Very solid post, solid. (and very glad to see it!)
I love this man. Honestly, he is going to be impossible to upgrade. How many PF's that get 18/8 and play great defense are even available? Scola's the best we can get and I'm happy to have him.
I have heard Morey, and others, say the max contract is the biggest bargain in the NBA when considering true max players because they are worth far more to the franchise. I think a similar comparison can be drawn when you have guys like Scola and Martin earning somewhere between half and, at most, 2/3's of what they are worth. They both contribute at an all-star level and get overlooked by the national know-nothing press. In short, we are lucky to have him, and as a previous poster mentioned: declining athleticism will not drastically affect his game. I hope he retires here with a ring.
Like the attitude but I'd rather have him sit. We had another guy with this kind of attitude and he ended up broken
Since the stroke I have been limited, but, my physical therapist wants me to type, so I am starting to post again. My vision isn't great, but I going to do my best. CF has been a source of fun for me in the past. I definitely could use some fun now.!
At least he isn't a vagina like Bosh. I've been saying I'd take Scola over Bosh from day 1 and I stand by it.
I was all for Scola being traded... I don't see how that's trolling though... There are a lot of teams that are in a better position to win that would kill to have Scola. I think Pat is our future, not Scola... Even though I will say he is a model for what every player should be.
He's such a warrior!!! He needs to slap himself in the face. He's trying to be macho and crap. Brandon Roy tried to be a warrior last year in the playoffs and look what happen to him. Look at Grant Hill. Rest that knee until it well then play. Don't let your ego get in the way and then miss a year or 2.
I agree. I love Scola and how hard he plays night in and night out, but he's (by far) our oldest core player. The next oldest core player is Kevin Martin at 28, who's quite a bit older than the rest of the team himself. If some team would offer me good value for Scola I'd jump right at it. He doesn't rely on athleticism on offense, but his defense already is below average due to his limited athletic abilities. It's only going to get worse. If there's a time to sell it's now.
Scola is a keeper. These are the guys that must remain in Houston -- Martin, Scola, Lowry, Lee and Hayes. Dragic is quickly becoming a fan favorite.
..but he doesn't play defense. I've noticed people tend to throw that one out too easily. It's worse during the game threads when people post that and are either not watching the game or can't see the most obvious of things.
Age is only a number. Tmac was only 25 or 26 when we got him, yet he would only have a few more effective years left. The way Scola plays, I have no doubt he can maintain his current production for another 5-6 years. If we are planning on becoming a contender within that time frame, and I can assure you that we are, it would make no sense to trade him just because of his age. With that said if someone wants to overpay or we get a deal we can't refuse then by all means. It won't be because of age and it will be the same case for everyone else on the team.
Scola, along with Martin, is one of the most underrated players in the league, and he is a big part of the reason why the Rockets are playing so much better than some teams who have "real" stars.
Scola took forever to get to the league. In the early 2000s where was this guy? His game would have been evolved to do more if he came out earlier.
