By Craig Fields
The Indiana Pacers have reached an agreement with the Phoenix Suns in a trade deal that will bring Luis Scola to the Pacers and deal Gerald Green, Miles Plumlee, and a 2014 first-round pick to the Suns. The addition of Scola will make an already dangerous Pacers team more capable of challenging the Miami Heat’s reign atop the NBA’s throne.
Scola will add versatility and toughness to a front court that needs it. Over his six seasons in the NBA the 33 year old Argentinean has averaged 14.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. His tenacity, ball handling skills, footwork, and defensive abilities are all tools that will benefit the Pacers.
The Pacers style of play will fit Scola’s abilities more as well. The Suns are a run and gun type team. That is the way ownership wishes to run his offense. Half-court offense, which is more the Pacers style of play, will benefit and allow Scola to utilize his mid-range jumper and post moves more effectively.
In addition to bringing instant offense off the bench, Scola will also add leadership and character to a team that looks to David West for those qualities. Scola, who has two years and $9 million left on his contract is a relative steal for all that the Pacers will get from him.
Larry Bird, the President of Basketball Operations for the Pacers commented, “Luis will be a very important asset to our team and to our bench. “He has NBA experience, international experience and is the type of player that will fit in nicely on our roster. I want to thank Gerald and Miles for their contributions. They had tough years last season, but worked hard, never complained and contributed to the great chemistry our team had. I think Gerald and Miles will be solid additions in Phoenix and we wish them well.”
Even though the way that Gerald and Miles will fit in the Suns scheme is not so clear, it is however, a move that allows them to do what they wanted to do this offseason. That is to get younger and more athletic. The two new Suns could not be contacted for comment.
Scola seems very happy to be a new member of the Pacers. “I’m very, very excited to play for the Pacers,” Scola said. “They are one of the top three teams in the NBA with a good shot to win a championship. I think it’s a great team and this is a great opportunity. I can’t wait.”
