What to do with Scola?

[AzStevenCal]

Steve,

My point is really this. You say you're not a stats guy and then use them to illustrate his decline. Isn't that a bit inconsistent?

And re: your own opinion. I did say you should go with your own opinion, didn't I?

As to Scola, I don't think anyone would say he isn't in decline. The question really is how much? His shooting is the thing that has suffered the most. I would then ask why? I really don't know since I haven't followed him all that much except the last two years. I actually thought he looked pretty good in the second half of last season. Was he effected by playing with Beasley and Brown?I realize pretty much everyone would trade him for a ham sandwich but guys like that have a lot of value. I just think he has a lot of value potentially to the Suns.

I really find him an odd duck when it comes to shooting. He has such a great stroke but I've never seen someone whose range falls off as quickly as his does. Unfortunately, the defense is well aware of it and they remind us of it every time points are critical. When we're down big (or the rare occasion, up big) they give him his shot and he hits it consistently. When points matter, they force him out another foot or two and he's just as willing to shoot it but he bricks it far more often than not.

I thought he played his best basketball for us when Gortat was injured. He held his own against a lot of the big men he was forced to guard and IMO did even better out there than Jermaine did on the same guys. But it's all about the whole season not a partial one and for the full season he was a disappointment, IMO.

Steve

 

[SirStefan32]

I thought Steve was too tough on Scola, but let's look at the evidence- there is not a single team knocking on the Suns' door asking about Scola. My guess is that I am the one overestimating Scola's value, while Steve is spot on.

 

[Phrazbit]

Well, to be fair Scola cant be moved until the 15 or 16th, something to do with him amnesty status. I think we can get something for him, but I am not expecting much. 2nd rounder... trade exemption, thats about it.

 

[KloD]

I thought Steve was too tough on Scola, but let's look at the evidence- there is not a single team knocking on the Suns' door asking about Scola. My guess is that I am the one overestimating Scola's value, while Steve is spot on.

While I tend to agree with Steve on Scola, how on earth can you make this claim? I, and I believe most don't have a clue what has been discussed or who has called. Perhaps the Suns are asking too much? Perhaps every team has called asking about him? Anyway, I see no evidence as you suggest.

At this time I believe it's going to be very difficult getting much of anything for either Scola, and it's worse with Gortat. Perhaps at the deadline they will have played decent ball and some team with a need (injury) and fighting for a playoff seed will be willing to offer something of value. I'm not holding my breath. The Suns will have to lower expectations (I'm guessing, at least some fans will) if they want to deal these guys.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Well, to be fair Scola cant be moved until the 15 or 16th, something to do with him amnesty status. I think we can get something for him, but I am not expecting much. 2nd rounder... trade exemption, thats about it.

I think someone was suggesting on here that he could be moved at the start of July and that's probably what SirStefan32 was talking about. But, even if he can't be moved until later this month I'm surprised we've heard no rumors of interest. Even though I think he's a below average starter that doesn't mean I don't think he couldn't help a good team. I think he can be a very effective 7th man with the occasional start along the way.

Steve

 

[SirStefan32]

While I tend to agree with Steve on Scola, how on earth can you make this claim? I, and I believe most don't have a clue what has been discussed or who has called. Perhaps the Suns are asking too much? Perhaps every team has called asking about him? Anyway, I see no evidence as you suggest.

At this time I believe it's going to be very difficult getting much of anything for either Scola, and it's worse with Gortat. Perhaps at the deadline they will have played decent ball and some team with a need (injury) and fighting for a playoff seed will be willing to offer something of value. I'm not holding my breath. The Suns will have to lower expectations (I'm guessing, at least some fans will) if they want to deal these guys.

Well, sure- it's possible that GMs are lining up offering all sorts of things for Scola. Anything is possible, but we've heard NOTHING about Scola. I guess my statement was a bit too definitive, but I think my point still stands. If he had more value, we would have heard some rumors about him by now.

 

[KloD]

Well, sure- it's possible that GMs are lining up offering all sorts of things for Scola. Anything is possible, but we've heard NOTHING about Scola. I guess my statement was a bit too definitive, but I think my point still stands. If he had more value, we would have heard some rumors about him by now.

fair enough, but don't forget we heard nothing of Bledsoe and the Suns prior. It's possible this front office has a better lid on this stuff than past leadership? I just find it hard to believe that there hasn't been any feelers out there for him at his salary and ability. Of course this is just a guess, but I have a sneaky suspicion that McD is looking to either unload a Beasley or get back a decent pick attached to any trade talks concerning these Vets.

 

[Cheesebeef]

fair enough, but don't forget we heard nothing of Bledsoe and the Suns prior.

we may not have heard anything about the Bledsoe and the Suns, but trust me, the league has been talking about Bledsoe going SOMEWHERE for about six months.

No one's talking about Scola going anywhere, so I'm not sure the two situations can be compared.

 

[Phrazbit]

I also don't think any reporters care about getting that breaking Scola news before anyone else.

Scola is not tradeable for another like 5 or 6 days, if come two weeks from now we still have not heard a peep about his potential destination THEN I will start to assume that teams are not interested, but as of now I dont think the lack of rumors tell us anything.

 

[95pro]

Once the major free agents are done signing, probably today or the next, I'd expect hear some offers for role players such as scola. I mean Ellis and Bynum just barely might have found a home. Next off the table are people in scolas position.

 

[KJBuckets]

Scola, at this point in his career, is a below average player, and he is in serious decline. A good team could use his scoring off the bench but if he is a starter then its you've got a real problem up front.

The guy has always been a horrible defender and now we've seen his shooting numbers drop for 4 straight seasons. When a scoring forward stops scoring well their value obviously drops like a rock.

As big of a fan of the Polish Hammer as I am, I'd much rather the Suns keep Scola as Len's Offensive mentor on the court as they could play side by side and Len could take on Scola's sense of hustle and crafty-ness in the low block. Together, we'd more likely see a better complement of spacing on the floor for both men.
Also, Len is going to have to learn footwork from someone who is already there in terms of skill and experiences. Luis really has a polished ability in the post and with his shot. Hell, if Luis were any taller he'd be Kevin Mchale but the truth is he's barely 6' 9". Gortat is a late bloomer and deserves to develop himself as an unquestioned starting center - something the Suns won't require from him. Plus, he's much more of a trading chip come February next year -- and the team still needs a scoring star player.

I agree that there is some decline with Scola but I believe it to have much more to do with playing for crap teams. Namely, post-Ming Rockets and Suns team. It's not like his athleticism is his guiding strength to contributing. He scores on open shots, in the low block, and on broken plays. The only decline we'd see in terms of his physique is his hustle. But really he's had no major injuries thus far in his career. He's got 2 years at the same level of ability perhaps.

 

[taz02]

I watched every minute of every game last season

Steve

Was this court ordered..... watching games last season was often painful. Congrats to being a true suns fan.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Was this court ordered..... watching games last season was often painful. Congrats to being a true suns fan.

Lol. Have you ever started out enjoying a show or a movie that turns on you but you stay with it anyway? I had long since reached the point where it was no longer enjoyable to watch but I just couldn't get myself to give up. I know I wasn't the only fool to hang in there all season but most of the rest of this small club are too smart to let the world know how dumb they were for awhile.

Steve

 

[Mainstreet]

I was reading a Bride Side of the Suns article written by Richard Parker dated 7-19-13 regarding capology. If this article is correct, Scola is the most likely player to be traded. His salary for this coming season is $4.5 million which is known. However, the article says only $941K is guaranteed for the final year of his contract. This would have to look sweet for a contender who needs help on the front line not wanting a long term committment.

Also the whole article is good and it even gives a solid reason why the Suns should not waive Beasley this season. See link below.

http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2013/7/19/4535972/phoenix-suns-capology

 

[JCSunsfan]

Scola is also the player who most needs to be moved. I cannot see how his getting minutes can help one spec in our rebuilding efforts. I think I could even make a case for giving Beasley minutes over Scola (not that it would make the team better). Scola needs to be moved to a team that could really use him.

Golden State, the Lakers, Atlanta, Chicago, Indiana, The Clippers, even Houston (if it was allowed but its not).

 

[Sci Fi]

I was reading a Bride Side of the Suns article written by Richard Parker dated 7-19-13 regarding capology. If this article is correct, Scola is the most likely player to be traded. His salary for this coming season is $4.5 million which is known. However, the article says only $941K is guaranteed for the final year of his contract. This would have to look sweet for a contender who needs help on the front line not wanting a long term committment.

Also the whole article is good and it even gives a solid reason why the Suns should not waive Beasley this season. See link below.

http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2013/7/19/4535972/phoenix-suns-capology

In spirit of positivity asked for by Steve in his new thread, i'll do it here. How about the Suns just keep Scola? He's still a good player and it's unlikely that his salary cap hit will cause an issue for future deals. Sarver has said the Suns are looking to make the playoffs next year. He'd be great for next year as a starter or sub. Then, having been here for two years, he'd likely sign for a vet contract for several years. Great back-up on the cheap. A team with almost no vets is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

In spirit of positivity asked for by Steve in his new thread, i'll do it here. How about the Suns just keep Scola? He's still a good player and it's unlikely that his salary cap hit will cause an issue for future deals. Sarver has said the Suns are looking to make the playoffs next year. He'd be great for next year as a starter or sub. Then, having been here for two years, he'd likely sign for a vet contract for several years. Great back-up on the cheap. A team with almost no vets is a disaster waiting to happen.

Because keeping Scola is a complete waste for both him and the Suns. Instead of trying to get minutes and valuable experience for their young players, they would be investing those minutes in a player that has no future with the team.

I haven't seen anywhere that Sarver said the Suns are looking to make the playoffs this next year, can you provide a citation for that? If so, then his delusion is nearly as bad as last year, when he thought that team was a contender for a playoff spot. Some of his mea culpas of late have been heartening, but if he truly believes we'll be fighting for a playoff spot, that's really bad news.

Vets or no vets, this team is going to be a disaster, but at least they appear to be understanding their place in the NBA right now, and see the opportunity to rebuild through the draft and through developing young players.

 

[sunsfan88]

\Sarver has said the Suns are looking to make the playoffs next year.

Whoa, link?

 

[Sci Fi]

Whoa, link?

http://blog.suns.com/robert-sarver-talks-about-what-hes-learned-as-an-owner/

Part 2 late. around 7:00 or so.

 

[Superbone]

This year = 2013-2014. Next year = 2014-2015. Sarver has never said he expects to make the playoffs this year.

 

[Sci Fi]

Because keeping Scola is a complete waste for both him and the Suns. Instead of trying to get minutes and valuable experience for their young players, they would be investing those minutes in a player that has no future with the team.

I haven't seen anywhere that Sarver said the Suns are looking to make the playoffs this next year, can you provide a citation for that? If so, then his delusion is nearly as bad as last year, when he thought that team was a contender for a playoff spot. Some of his mea culpas of late have been heartening, but if he truly believes we'll be fighting for a playoff spot, that's really bad news.

Vets or no vets, this team is going to be a disaster, but at least they appear to be understanding their place in the NBA right now, and see the opportunity to rebuild through the draft and through developing young players.

A disaster? Tell me, what was your opinion on Gentry? Was he part of the problem? How about Beasley?

 

[Sci Fi]

This year = 2013-2014. Next year = 2014-2015. Sarver has never said he expects to make the playoffs this year.

Yes, to clarify he meant the next season, 2014-2015. Possible?

 

[Superbone]

Yes, to clarify he meant the next season, 2014-2015. Possible?

Sure it's possible if everything were to come together. Archie Goodwin is a stud. Len is healthy this year and gets good experience. We get one of the superstar lottery players next year. We pick up a stellar free agent or two next year. It's possible although probably not likely. I'd say three seasons is more likely.

 

[Mainstreet]

I have to clarify my typo in my last post. Obviously I meant "Bright Side of the Sun."

 

[AzStevenCal]

I have to clarify my typo in my last post. Obviously I meant "Bright Side of the Sun."

So you haven't been hanging out at Wedding sites?

Steve