The Toronto Raptors signed 35 year old, 6″9 Power Forward Luis Scola to a 1-year deal this offseason. The deal was worth approximately 3 million dollars, and Scola is expected to act as a stopgap option at the power forward spot this season as the Raptors search for their power forward of the future. However, Scola should fill in admirably and compliment the team very well.
Scola officially first played in the NBA in 2007, with the Houston Rockets. Originally from Argentina, his professional career began in Buenos Aries before moving to the Spanish league. He played with Saski Baskonia and later Gijon Baloncesto, where they gained promotion to the first division – Spain’s ACB. With Saski Baskonia he earned selection in the all Euro-league second team, and later the first team in 2006 and 2007. The San Antonio Spurs were the first NBA team to take notice of him, drafting him in 2002 but were unable to negotiate a contract with his former team in Spain. This meant he stayed in the ACB until 2007 where eventually San Antonio sold his contract rights to the Houston Rockets and the buy-out situation with Saski was resolved. His first season was impressive as he made the all-rookie first team and placed 3rd overall for Rookie of the Year.
Scola played with Houston until the NBA lockout in 2011. He appeared in the playoffs in consecutive seasons (2008 and 2009) where the Rockets made the second round in the latter, losing in 7 vs the LA Lakers. Scola had a pivotal role in both that series and in the previous round vs Portland. However, he was amnestied by Houston in an attempt to free cap space which eventually got them James Harden, and later, Dwight Howard. Scola spent time in Phoenix for a season and was later traded to the Indiana Pacers. At Indiana he played backup to David West (who has since gone to the Spurs) for 2 seasons, starting in 18 games. It should also be noted he is a highly valued player
for Argentina as well – he first represented them in 1999 and came second in the 2002 World Championship as well as 3rd (Bronze) in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Thus, it is clear that Scola is a savvy veteran player with a wide range of experience, who has posted some impressive seasons. He will fit right in, whether he contributes off the bench or plays in a starting role. In Indiana he averaged 20 minutes a game and was effective coming off the bench, however early in his NBA career he was a near all-star for the Rockets, averaging over 18 points and 8 rebounds a game.
At this point in his career, he likely will be most effective logging in the mid to high 20 minutes per-game range. For the Raptors, Scola’s paint presence will prove to be truly valuable in drawing attention away from Jonas Valanciunas. He will bring in toughness, physicality, a wide arsenal of post moves, and high IQ.
Last season, the Raptors offense was heavily driven through Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and 6th man of the year Lou Williams, whom accounted for 50% of the offense. The addition of a generally consistent scorer at the low-post like Scola gives the offence more options and versatility, along with the aforementioned space for JV. Scola will certainly prove to be a better offensive player than Amir Johnson, and more of an inside force than Patrick Patterson.
