Luis Scola and an alarming trend

by Nitroberg on Feb 22, 2010 9:36 AM CST

I've only seen about a quarter and a half of the "Speed Racer" Rockets, I see the potential for this team to grow and become a dominant unit next season. However right now, they're still 'short' a post presence inside.

Kevin Martin will become more of a dominant offensive player in this offense once he is moved into the starting 5.

Jared Jeffries is a guy to keep an eye on. I remember watching him during Indiana's Final 4 run (a run which concluded with a loss to Maryland in the championship game, but all the same, he looked good). I don't know what he'll bring on a night-to-night basis, but for those of you clamoring to bench the Chuckwagon, Jeffries played rather well last night.

However, I have another glaring concern from the Rockets: how come the team's now best offensive post presence has only passed the 30 minute mark in minutes played ONCE this month. Lets take a look at this month so far:

Feb 2: vs GS: 23:16min, 10pts, 8rbd
Feb 5: at Mem: 23:10min, 12pts, 6rbd
Feb 6: vs Phi: 24:44min, 8pts, 1rbd
Feb 9: at Mia: 28:43min, 12pts, 7rbd
Feb 16: vs Utah: 29.12min, 14pts, 6rbd
Feb 17: at Mil: 25:47min, 10pts, 9rbd
Feb 20: vs Ind: 37:15min, 25pts, 11rbd
Feb 21: at NOR: 23:18min, 12pts, 11rbd

The Carl Landry trade pretty much makes it even more necessary to play Scola more than a mere 30:18 per game. I've always thought Luis was Houston's best all-around player this season. Anyone want to explain this to me? While we've gotten taller, we have lost some of that girth and physicality that Landry so desperately infused into this team.

Either that, or perhaps the Rockets team MVP this year is Kyle Lowry?

No cursing in title. No pirated material, such as links to online game streams. Do not cut/paste entire sections of content from other websites. Thanks.

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Good post

but look at his supporting cast in NY – D Lee and N Robinson only! With the Rox, there are 5 guys on the court that could put up 10+ points per game. How often did you see the Knicks with 5 guys with 10+ pts – the Rox have that often.

by idlewatcher on Feb 22, 2010 12:27 PM CST reply actions

He is averaging a double double per 36 minutes

I don’t see why you wouldn’t give him the full 36 now that Landry is gone.

by OremLK on Feb 22, 2010 3:14 PM CST reply actions

Ive always thought Scola should get more minutes and more touches

And now with Landry gone Im even more convinced. Scola playing 23 min last night is unacceptable especially because he was the one who keyed the 2nd half comeback. This is just another reason to wake up Coach Sleepy (or another sign that Sleepy is actually back asleep).

To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.

by TexasHoosier on Feb 22, 2010 5:55 PM CST reply actions

Yeah

I wonder why he isn’t being played more. There’s no way he is hiding a nagging injury: he is too active.

I liked watching Jeffries a lot actually… he is extremely active on both ends and I love his height. I hope we give Hill the same chance to showcase his strengths next game.

by dacodeman on Feb 22, 2010 8:26 PM CST reply actions

i like jeffries.

he is way overpaid but i’d get him 5 million a year if i were a GM who could afford that price.

Rockets>>>>>>Jazz
Texans>>>>>>>Titans
Super Mario>>>>>>>Vince Young

by Rockets 4 Life on Feb 22, 2010 9:22 PM CST reply actions

Jeffries is earning under 7 million a year

How do you figure that he’s way overpaid right now, yet you’d still give him 5 million per year?

by jack_ on Feb 23, 2010 11:36 AM CST up reply actions

my bad, i thought he was being payed 9 million.

i jumped the gun i guess. maybe around 3 million is a bit more reasonable.

Rockets>>>>>>Jazz
Texans>>>>>>>Titans
Super Mario>>>>>>>Vince Young

by Rockets 4 Life on Feb 23, 2010 9:56 PM CST up reply actions

Jeffries deserves Chuckwagon's contract at most

by OremLK on Feb 23, 2010 12:13 PM CST up reply actions

I totally agree.

And I also agree with some of the other posters that we do need to find a good low post/paint anchor for our defense when Yao’s out. Jeffries may be that guy, but I doubt it as he looks more like the active, semi perimeter, playmaker type. I’d love to see what Hill’s potential is, especially on the defensive end.

If our playoff chances begin to slip away, I think it would be worth it to figure that out.

by flipasta on Feb 23, 2010 12:17 AM CST reply actions

Lowry might be the MVP

He’s certainly looking indispensable at this point.

Significant gravitas shortfall expected in 2010.

The Dreamshake

by Xiane on Feb 23, 2010 12:27 AM CST reply actions

I find myself wondering if Scola has the legs at this point in his career

to average 30+ minutes a night the rest of the season. Remember he’s been playing basketball for along time.

by mob16151 on Feb 23, 2010 3:56 PM CST reply actions

where the seasons are shorter and games are usually once a week.

by wayno on Feb 27, 2010 4:35 AM CST up reply actions

Twice.

I smell death... everywhere.

by LatinD on Mar 9, 2010 6:43 PM CST up reply actions

Me too

He’s been playing professional ball since like 16 or 17. He kind of reminds me of Tim Duncan. Not the most athletic person, though he still gets his points and board; but while watching ~~Commisioner Stern’s favorite players~~ the All Star game, I kept thinking what the heck is Timmy doin out there. He can’t hang with those young guys. I’m not saying Scola can’t hang, but when you think about how long he’s been playing and the wear and tear on his body, including all thoses years of world basketball games like the FIBA tournament on top of his regular pro play, you have to wonder.

by joshsm07 on Feb 25, 2010 8:26 PM CST reply actions