By The Numbers: Luis Scola In Transition

by Tom Martin on Aug 29, 2010 3:58 PM CDT in By The Numbers

Today's Number: 1.43

In the first edition of By The Numbers, we examined Chase Budinger's transition offense. Today, we'll look at Luis Scola in transition, and rather than criticize like we did with Budinger, we'll instead show some praise for one of the most effective transition players in the entire league last season, especially among power forwards. All data is provided using Synergy sports technology.

Scola's 1.43 points per possession ranked him 18th in the NBA in 2009-10. He made 56 of 79 field goal attempts in transition, which accounted for seven percent of his offensive output. If you don't think that 79 transition attempts is very many for a power forward, consider that Chris Bosh, known as a mobile, versatile PF in his own right, only attempted 46 transition field goals last season, finishing with a 1.11 ppp (good for 183rd in the league). Amar'e Stoudemire, a player of similar height in a faster paced offense, had 82 attempts. Luis will get out and run, that's for sure.

But Luis doesn't just make the trip down the court for fun: he converts at a very high rate. Stoudemire actually shot a better percentage in transition than Scola - 73.2 percent - but his points per possession was only 1.27. Why was this? Stoudemire turned the ball over 17.2 percent of the time. Scola turned the ball over 4.3 percent of the time in transition. That's very impressive.

If you want more numbers, consider that Josh Smith finished with a 1.21 ppp and a turnover percentage of 17.5 in transition. Kevin Garnett finished with a ppp of 1.31. Carlos Boozer tied Scola with a 1.43 ppp. Pau Gasol is the most notable power forward who is more effective in transition than Scola: his 1.51 ppp ranked him sixth in the league.

Any way you put it, Scola's effectiveness in transition sheds more light towards how valuable and versatile he is to the Rockets.

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Comments

So-Does this mean he's better than Bosh and Amar'e????

by HoustonRockets4Eva on Aug 29, 2010 4:57 PM CDT reply actions

No.

This is only talking about transition. Please don’t get third grade on me.

The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak

by Tom Martin on Aug 29, 2010 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Lol

The BANHAMMER delivers the real justice
That's just turrible

by joshsm07 on Aug 29, 2010 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions

nice retort. that was classic

by ClutchFanSince94 on Aug 29, 2010 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions

i'm rubber your glue...

by John P on Aug 30, 2010 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions

But I ate both.......

The BANHAMMER delivers the real justice
That's just turrible

by joshsm07 on Aug 31, 2010 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Where do you get your stats from?

Is it a specific site or do you keep them on your own?

I’d really like to use some stats like these.

by .Bonzo on Aug 29, 2010 5:48 PM CDT reply actions

mysynergysports.com

Professional Scouting Service. I’m going to lose access at the end of September, though. Everyone who isn’t a registered scout will, as far as I know.

The Dream Shake ...on Twitter.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak

by Tom Martin on Aug 29, 2010 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Countdown to Sept 31st!

God I can’t imagine how I’m going to deal with my free time once september 31st rolls around and I can’t watch clips from when Clippers played the Bobcats on December 12th. I might actually have to interact with real people then… but seriously that site is incredible. I almost balked at dropping 30 bucks for the subscription when I got it, but it’s so much fun and it’s a really good tool.

by Patrick Harrel on Aug 29, 2010 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Turning the ball over only 4 percent of the time on the break is absolutely amazing. I’m pretty sure I turn the ball over more than 4% of the time on unguarded inbounds passes.

by Moondebah on Aug 29, 2010 6:14 PM CDT reply actions

It's probably due to him not always taking the ball down court, but being the one who finishes

but still. I’m glad that he is getting the recognition he deserves. Threeeeee Scolaaaaaa.

The BANHAMMER delivers the real justice
That's just turrible

by joshsm07 on Aug 29, 2010 7:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, I love Scola’s hustle getting up and down the floor.

I remember that game against Denver, where he hustled and helped with the board and was down the court trailing before the Denver players got there and got hte and 1 to take Chauncey Billups outta the game .

by VBG on Aug 29, 2010 7:25 PM CDT reply actions

Tom, this is great analysis. It brings something completely new to the table.

by ClutchFanSince94 on Aug 29, 2010 10:24 PM CDT reply actions

luis was kicking ass last game with argentina as well. Anderson seemed to do a good job as well, though.

by galicae on Aug 30, 2010 6:25 AM CDT reply actions

Scola's Hair...his secret weapon

nice post, good data.

But honestly, the one thing that helps Scola keep possession of the ball is that no one wants to be hit with that sweaty mop. Is there a stat for % made shots after coming into contact with Scola’s hair? The wet moppy whiplash would be far more effective on me than Battier’s hand in my face.

But seriously, his efficiency on the break is but one tiny bit of Scola’s value, as we all know. He, Lowry and Landry (when we had him) never ever ever quit. Ever. That is why I love him…well that and the hair of course.

by John P on Aug 30, 2010 9:17 PM CDT reply actions