FanHouse previews a player to watch from each NBA team in advance of the 2009-10 season.Luis Scola is a 29-year-old power forward. He has long(er) hair, and is not built like a racehorse. He doesn't jump out of the gym, his tangibles aren't off the charts, his wingspan isn't epic, and he's not a franchise player. But man, the guy can play ball.
Since Scola came into the league two seasons ago, he's quietly been a foundation of the Rockets' success. A rare miscalculation by the San Antonio Spurs, who drafted him in 2002 when he was only 22 but traded him to the Rockets, Scola has become just the kind of player you expect to find in San Antonio. Hardworking, efficient, dedicated and professional. Scola manages to play with fire and intensity, without ever losing his cool.
Scola only gave up 1.8 turnovers per game last year, despite having the second highest percentage of possessions used (19.3) of the Rockets. His PER of 17 is well above the league average, which is also impressive considering his very limited offensive role on the Rockets. Scola is not the guy you give it to and just watch him go to work. Though the work part is definitely there. He rebounds at a great rate (more than 10 total boards per 36), shoots at a high percentage, and when he's on the floor, his team performs better in almost every category.
But the biggest contributions Scola makes aren't even in the box score. Much like Shane Battier, the "No-Stats All-Star," Scola brings savvy and basketball intelligence that are off the charts, along with a fiery disposition and will to win. I don't know what they're feeding those boys in Argentina, but they have a drive to succeed that is downright intense. Scola in his limited time in the NBA has adapted incredibly well, using his Euroball-style skills to learn NBA facets. His defense on pick and rolls is at once aggressive and considerate, rarely allowing easy passes most bigs fall prey to. His frame allows him to muscle up to players bigger than him and his active hands and footwork enable him to frustrate players of considerably greater talent. What's best, Scola rarely allows his emotions to affect him negatively. He picks himself up and goes back to work.
Which is not to say that he doesn't have his faults. Like Manu Ginobili, Scola often times moves for the charge by way of block too much. He lacks a go-to offensive move, and struggles in making key passes (as evident by his assist numbers). He can work the offense out of the high block, but put him in the low block and it's unlikely he'll be dishing a dime. But all of these things are effectively masked by Scola's basketball IQ and ability to control himself to play within his game.
With Yao Ming out for what most think will be the vast majority of the season, Scola's contributions are that much more important. He'll need to improve in all areas, taking on a larger burden while still maintaining the same level of efficiency if the Rockets are going to have a chance at a playoff spot. At the same time, it would be unfortuante to lose the all-out style of play Scola has brought, diving on the floor for lose balls, constantly wrestling for tie-ups, but it may be necessary in his pursuit of consistency in a season where he is so important. The one thing you can count on is that Scola will most certainly try, more than any other.
