The rumors of a Luis Scola trade between the Phoenix Suns and the Indiana Pacers became official on Saturday, when the forward was dealt for Miles Plumlee, Gerald Green, and a 2014 first-round draft pick (lottery-protected).
For the Pacers, it’s an immediate win. They now have an established veteran in Scola – who has the ability to shoot from the mid-range to compliment his post game – coming off the bench to spell David West. Losing a draft pick always hurts, but adding a veteran piece is more critical to a contending team like the Pacers than a pick that may “potentially” help them at some point in the future. As for losing a couple of non-rotation players in Green and Plumlee, Frank Vogel is not likely to lose much sleep over them.
With this trade, the Pacers have positioned themselves to be as dangerous as any team in the Eastern Conference. Depth was an issue during the playoffs for this team – particularly against the Miami Heat – but with the expected return of a healthy Danny Granger and the additions of Chris Copeland, C.J. Watson, and Donald Sloan, there will be plenty of fire power off the bench come next season. This is a roster that the Heat should be very concerned about, should the two teams meet again in the postseason.
Here is Scola’s reaction to the trade on twitter with a shout out to both the Suns’ and Pacers’ fan base for their support.
Thanks to the Suns. The team gave me all I needed, the city gave more that I needed and the fans never gave up on me. I know I’m in debt,(+)
— Luis Scola (@LScola4) July 27, 2013
…maybe one day I have a second chance to do things the right way. Suns fans you guys are awesome, good luck!!.
— Luis Scola (@LScola4) July 27, 2013
To the Pacers fans, thank you guys for welcome me, I really wish I can help the team get farder. I won’t stop working until I do. #Pacers
— Luis Scola (@LScola4) July 27, 2013
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Evan Sidery is a regular contributor to Sheridan Hoops. You can find him on Twitter @ESidery.
http://www.indycornrows.com/2013/7/28/4565724/release-of-the-2013-2014-nba-schedule-does-the-number-of-national-tv. Let’s get Pacers on TV.
Will help Pacers short term, but they sacrificed where they had as an advantage (youth) and now are more like Brooklyn and Miami (age/experience).
Phoenix did well with this trade, long term. Pacers overpaid. Green should return closer to his level he demonstrated with Nets, now that he should have a relevant role with Suns.
Miles Plumlee appears to have a future as a solid backup C, with 1 yr. of experience under his belt. He was a Star of the Summer League.
And to get a #1 pick from the class of 2014 (about pick #27), everyone agrees is great for a rebuilding team.
The East may have the 3 best teams in the NBA this season, but I expect Miami to be 3rd in the Regular Season standings, with Brooklyn and Indiana fighting for 1st.
Remember that Indiana was 0-5 vs. Brooklyn+Boston last season.