Chicago tribune/Scola speculation

[objective]

If the player is already under contract to, or signs a contract with a non-NBA team, the team retains the player's draft rights for one year after the player's obligation to the non-NBA team ends. Essentially, the clock stops as long as the player plays pro ball outside the NBA. Players are not included in the team's team salary while the player is under contract with a non-NBA team.

so how does this affect Javtokas? His deal with Rytas ended last year, then he re-upped for one more year.

Does this mean the Spurs will lose his rights this summer or next?

[ChumpDumper]

No, other teams can offer more than the MLE.That what you said, the implication that is in the first year, which is all that matters for matching purposes.

Put simply, after a two-year deal, no team could make an offer for Scola or Javtokas the Spurs' couldn't match. That's all anyone really needs to know.

[ChumpDumper]

so how does this affect Javtokas? His deal with Rytas ended last year, then he re-upped for one more year.

Does this mean the Spurs will lose his rights this summer or next?No, every year he plays for non-NBA pro team, the clock is reset on the Spurs' rights to him.

[objective]

* If a team has two Non-Bird free agents with one or two years in the league. They can use the Mid-Level exception to keep one of them, but would lose the other.

this still sounds like if they sign both to 2 year deals, and they both get offers above mid-level, then the Spurs can only match on one.

Is this wrong?

[Bruno]

That what you said, the implication that is in the first year, which is all that matters for matchin purposes.

And I haven't said Spurs can't match.
Other teams can offer $40M/ 5 years and it's more than the MLE



Put simply, after a two-year deal, no team could make an offer for Scola or Javtokas the Spurs' couldn't match.

Agree but you haven't said that. You have said :

Under the new rules, it's better to sign Scola and Javtokas to a two-year deal.
You're wrong, it's not better.

[ChumpDumper]

You're wrong, it's not better.How is it not better? No one can steal them away like Arenas if they are great, and if they suck you're only saddled with their deals for two seasons. Tell me how that isn't better.

[Bruno]

this still sounds like if they sign both to 2 year deals, and they both get offers above mid-level, then the Spurs can only match on one.

Is this wrong?

yes, it's wrong.
A Non-Bird free agent player with two years in the league is a palyer who has played with a team for his rookie season and who has sign a new contract with another team for his second season.

[ChumpDumper]

this still sounds like if they sign both to 2 year deals, and they both get offers above mid-level, then the Spurs can only match on one.

Is this wrong?They can match on both, since they will hold early-Bird rights to both. The loophole situations listed were for non-Bird FAs.

[Bruno]

How is it not better? No one can steal them away like Arenas if they are great, and if they suck you're only saddled with their deals for two seasons. Tell me how that isn't better.

Because if they sign for a three year deal and are great, you can have them for a cheap price during 3 years instead of 2.

[ChumpDumper]

Because if they sign for a three year deal and are great, you can have them for a cheap price during 3 years instead of 2.And if they suck?

[Bruno]

And if they suck?

A 2 years contract is better but a player won't ask for more money per year for a 2 years contract than for a 3 years contract.

As I said, the most attractive contract for euros are 3 years contract with a player option for the third. (like for Oberto)

[ChumpDumper]

As I said, the most attractive contract for euros are 3 years contract with a team option for the third. (like for Oberto)Depends on the cap situation. There might definitely be situations where matching a backloaded deal after two years is much better for the Spurs.

[Bruno]

I've edited, it's a player option for the third year.

And be honest and quote properly that is to say question + answer.

[picnroll]

If Spurs dump Rasho and Nazr that's the only way they would sign both Scola and see both sign with the Spurs and and I can't see both Rasho and Nazr going unless there is one proven NBA big man coming to replace them.

[ChumpDumper]

I've edited, it's a player option for the third year.

And be honest and quote properly that is to say question + answer.I was editing myself when I lost my router for a minute.

[Bruno]

I was editing myself when I lost my router for a minute.

Ok.

[ChumpDumper]

If Spurs dump Rasho and Nazr that's the only way they would sign both Scola and see both sign with the Spurs and and I can't see both Rasho and Nazr going unless there is one proven NBA big man coming to replace them.I'm of the mind that Rasho is staying, and he'll be in his final year when Scola/Javtokas are in their third. I'm also of the mind Javtokas could be signed with the LLE since there's no buyout and Rytas isn't Tau when it comes to payroll.

[objective]

Rytas already announced they were trimming their budget from what I understand and were prepared to play next season without Javtokas.

But he is apparently drawing interest from the big euroleague teams.

[picnroll]

If Spurs sign Javtokas and Scola they'll be unathletic, big man heavy in Stern's new era of small ball.

[ChumpDumper]

Javtokas' not having a buyout is huge in this regard. He still needs to work off all those medical bills for us, too.

[timvp]

If Spurs sign Jatokas and Scola they'll be unathletic, big man heavy in Stern's new era of small ball.

That'd be a risk. To even out their roster, they'd have to get rid of Nazr, Marks and probably either Rasho or Oberto. The Spurs can't afford to carry too many players who aren't athletic enough to play in the New NBA.

[ChumpDumper]

If Spurs sign Jatokas and Scola they'll be unathletic, big man heavy in Stern's new era of small ball.As opposed to now?

Since when is Javtokas unathletic?

[ChumpDumper]

Nazr and Marks are gonzo.

That was easy.

[timvp]

As opposed to now?

Since when is Javtokas unathletic?

I wouldn't classify as unathletic. But I would classify him as a player who couldn't handle small ball. If the Spurs had him this season, he would have been sitting next to Rasho, Nazr, Oberto and Marks.

[timvp]

Nazr and Marks are gonzo.

That was easy.

Could you make Rasho or Oberto be gone?

Thanks.

[Bruno]

Rytas already announced they were trimming their budget from what I understand and were prepared to play next season without Javtokas.

But he is apparently drawing interest from the big euroleague teams.

Rytas has signed Zukauskas to play center next year instead of Javtokas.
Lithuanians newspapers (from what I've understand) say that javtokas will play for Spurs next year.

[Leetonidas]

Um, I think in small ball NBA, a 6'9" post player (Scola) would be great against the small teams.

[timvp]

Um, I think in small ball NBA, a 6'9" post player (Scola) would be great against the small teams.

Oberto is like 6'8 and he was still sitting on the bench.

It's about speed.

[Bruno]

If Spurs spend the MLE on Javtokas and Scola or Evans, Rasho and/or Barry will be traded for some trade exceptions or expiring contracts.

[ChumpDumper]

Could you make Rasho or Oberto be gone?

Thanks.If they don't get Magloire, I think Toronto might be a destination for Rasho. Colangelo wants traditional players as well as small ballers -- he did get Grant, Kurt Thomas and Pat Burke after all. Eric Williams and Araujo are in the last years of their deals and not really used.

[picnroll]

As opposed to now?

Since when is Javtokas unathletic?
When I think of athletic big man in Stern's new era I think of Kirilenko, DRob, Ben Wallace level athleticism particularly if you want to play two bigs, one being Duncan and still match up well with what Dallas and the Suns throw at you. Javtokas strikes me as being a bit stiff. Maybe good around the baskt but struggle away from it. The guy we should have gotten is Varejao. Mahinmi sounds like the guy we need but he's not ready.

[timvp]

When I think of athletic big man in Stern's new era I think of Kirilenko, DRob, Ben Wallace level athleticism particularly if you want to play two bigs, one being Duncan and still match up well with what Dallas and the Suns throw at you. Javtokas strikes me as being a bit stiff. Maybe good around the baskt but struggle away from it. The guy we should have gotten is Varejao.

The ironic thing is the Spurs used Varejao as a smoke screen so they could get Beno.

That really worked out well :pctoss

[objective]

Javtokas on the scale of athleticism is closer to David Robinson than to Rasho Nesterovich.



I think Toronto might be a destination for Rasho.

I think Toronto came to an agreement in the last couple of days with some Euro big man, of course I don't know what his prospects for playing time are.

[ChumpDumper]

How does anyone come to an agreement at the end of May?

[Ariel]

I think Toronto came to an agreement in the last couple of days with some Euro big man, of course I don't know what his prospects for playing time are.
Garbajosa is a 6'9" PF, not a C.

[Bruno]

I think Toronto came to an agreement in the last couple of days with some Euro big man, of course I don't know what his prospects for playing time are.

Yep, Garbajosa but he is a 6'8" PF.

[Ariel]

How does anyone come to an agreement at the end of May?
It's been said it's a done deal -even if unofficially- at 3 years, 12M.

[objective]

Apparently this is the time of year for Euro signings/negotiations. Nothing official, but that's the news on the euro-ball sites, that whoever it is will be playing for Toronto.

[Extra Stout]

Following the injury, Javtokas is still athletic by NBA standards. He is lithe enough of foot to keep up with small ball.

He just is no longer the prodigious athletic freak he once was. And he's not exactly highly skilled out there.

[ChumpDumper]

So Toronto still needs a center.

Ok.

[Bruno]

Following the injury, Javtokas is still athletic by NBA standards. He is lithe enough of foot to keep up with small ball.

He just is no longer the prodigious athletic freak he once was. And he's not exactly highly skilled out there.

It's not only related with his injury.
He was listed at 205lbs when he was drafted and now he should be 260-270 lbs.

[picnroll]

Spurs should trade Scola for a draft pick that would get them in a position to draft Tiago Splitter. That kid has the level of athleticism you nedd in a small ballbig man. I might be mistake but I don't think he has too long a contract left with Tau.

[ChumpDumper]

It's just a matter of days before Splitter makes his annual pullout from the draft. Even if we trade for a mid 1st-rounder, none of those guys from this shitty are really going to help immediately.

[picnroll]

Following the injury, Javtokas is still athletic by NBA standards. He is lithe enough of foot to keep up with small ball.

He just is no longer the prodigious athletic freak he once was. And he's not exactly highly skilled out there.
Those videos of him don't make him look real fast running down the court.

[picnroll]

It's just a matter of days before Splitter makes his annual pullout from the draft. Even if we trade for a mid 1st-rounder, none of those guys from this shitty are really going to help immediately.

Possibly Splitter would stay in if he had a guarantee.

[ChumpDumper]

Feh, his stock coldn't be any higher than this summer.

[timvp]

Splitter doesn't look that good to me. Decent but not the answer to any problems.

[Kori Ellis]

I think it's already been said he's pulling out of the draft anyway.


It's not only related with his injury.
He was listed at 205lbs when he was drafted and now he should be 260-270 lbs

He weighs that much???

[ChumpDumper]

For somer reason, I always see the games where Splitter sucks ass and makes Kornel David look like a better prospect.

[timvp]

For somer reason, I always see the games where Splitter sucks ass and makes Kornel David look like a better prospect.

Yeah, we must be watching the same games. Everytime I watch him he looks like a poor man's Adam Keefe out there.

[picnroll]

From what I've seen, which is admittedly limited, Splitter doesn't look real good offensively but he looks like he will be a very good on and off the ball defender not only at the basket but able to go out on the floor and guard some.

Another guy it would be nice to get is Biendrins (?sp)

[Bruno]

He weighs that much???

He is listed at 258 lbs on rytas website. It should be his weight at the start of the season and I have the feeling when I look picture that he has gain some muscle since that. This guy is scary and looks like a bodybuilder :
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1375/showfoto5mg.jpg

[picnroll]

Well, he'll be real popular with the ladies around here.

[ChumpDumper]

Wow, we don't even have to photoshop anything for Javtokas when we lose in the playoffs!

[strangeweather]

Wow, we don't even have to photoshop anything for Javtokas when we lose in the playoffs!
:lmao

[Bruno]

Wow, we don't even have to photoshop anything for Javtokas when we lose in the playoffs!

:pctoss

I think people will have forgotten this picture when Javtokas will lose for the first time in 2012.

[timvp]

One thing I worry about Javtokas is that his upside is even more limited because he's already in good physical shape. Usually when you bring over a Euro, they get better after the first season or two because they start lifting weight for the first time.

With RJ, he'll be at 100% of his potential right off the bat.

[Ariel]

One thing I worry about Javtokas is that his upside is even more limited because he's already in good physical shape. Usually when you bring over a Euro, they get better after the first season or two because they start lifting weight for the first time.

With RJ, he'll be at 100% of his potential right off the bat.
Ughhh... no...

The physical aspect might be already developed, but he still has to know the league, the Spurs' system, his teammates, not to mention the new country, the language (does anyone know how good his English is?). No way he's 100% by the first time he steps on a court, if other players coming from European leagues are any indication.

The transition issue is really significative, at least that's what every Argentine NBA player I've heard on the matter has said.

[whottt]

Javtokas played highschool and college ball in America...his English is really good. I remember being impressed with it when he seeing him interviewed after becoming the ULEB Cup MVP.

Just from listening...his English is already better than Manu's and he has less of an accent than either of the Slovenians or Parker.


There is absolutely no language barrier with him...none whatsoever.


Besides...Pop is an expert on the Soviet Union, and Lithuania was once part of that...Pop may not speak Lithuanian but he and Javtokas probably have a common language somewhere in there.

[Despot]

Someone already brought up Toronto, so I'll throw this in. With Toronto winning the number 1 pick there is a good chance that they will pick bargnani, and that could make Charlie Villanueva available. Any takers? What would he cost us?

[T Park]

why would that make Villanueva available?

[Despot]

why would that make Villanueva available?
I realize it's unlikely, mostly a what if, and curious what everyone thinks his value might be. Saw the possibility on insider the other day. You need to be a member to view the link.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2006/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&id=2422019

TORONTO RAPTORS

Projected first-round pick: Fifth

Team needs: Center, point guard

Analysis: The Raptors have a future. Chris Bosh is going to be an All-Star for many years. The team is roughly $14 million under the cap this summer. It owns a potential top-five pick in the draft. New GM Bryan Colangelo knows how to run a winning organization.

But there are still some problems.

In moments, Charlie Villanueva looks like a potential All-Star. His 48-point performance in late March was amazing. But his lack of consistency is frustrating and his best position is Bosh's position.

Mike James was one of the best point guards in the league this year, but he is a free agent, turns 31 this summer and doesn't look as though he factors into the long-term plans for the franchise.

So what do the Raptors do?

With James likely out the door, Jose Calderon is their only legit option at the point. The best point guard in the draft is Marcus Williams, but early to middle lottery is too high to take him. And no one has been able to fill the center role adequately. But this draft is very weak at center and point guard.

If the Raptors win the lottery, they can have their choice of athletic power forwards, but how does that help their core of Bosh and Villanueva? Colangelo loves Bargnani, but he duplicates Villanueva.

They also could have their choice of swingmen like Gay or Morrison. But again, I'm not sure either of them would fill a need.

Don't be surprised if the Raptors put Villanueva on the block for a point guard or center and use their pick to grab a guy like Bargnani. Or trade their pick and Joey Graham or Morris Peterson to fill a need that way.

[strangeweather]

why would that make Villanueva available?
Because that's 3 different PFs taken with premium picks in 3 years, and Bosh is unlikely to be the one they shop around.

Still, it's not like Rasho for Villanueva is going to fly, so I don't think this is going to affect the Spurs in any material way

[Despot]

Oh, here is the Spurs section of that article, just in case anyone was curious. And yes, it is pure speculation.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Projected first-round pick: None

Team needs: Center


Analysis: The Spurs don't need much, and anything they do need isn't going to be provided by a rookie.

It's a good thing. The Spurs are sending their first-round pick to New York this year, meaning they'll have to wait until Round 2 to pull an obscure player out of their hat. I can see them going international again, maybe with a guy like Ukrainian big man Olexsiy Pecherov (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?playerId=18910&draftyear=2006)

[Bruno]

It's a good thing. The Spurs are sending their first-round pick to New York this year, meaning they'll have to wait until Round 2 to pull an obscure player out of their hat. I can see them going international again, maybe with a guy like Ukrainian big man Olexsiy Pecherov (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?playerId=18910&draftyear=2006)

Pecherov won't be available with the 59th pick.
He is a first round pick material.
My guess is that he will be drafted by nets with the 22nd or 23rd pick. (they have send scouts to see him and they like euros).

[ploto]

Well, he'll be real popular with the ladies around here.
Tell Angel that he is married.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't think Villanueva would be availble just yet. There are plenty of minutes to split between three young bigs and Charlie can moonlight at the 3.

[WalterBenitez]

Now, you haven't the right to make typos ?
Please read :
Scola has maybe even more value than Vujicic.

Sure, ... since english is my third language I spent some minutes trying to understand your phrase :lol

[WalterBenitez]

And if they suck?

I'd go with 2 years ... just in case you know (called Rasho side effect)

[WalterBenitez]

It's just a matter of days before Splitter makes his annual pullout from the draft. Even if we trade for a mid 1st-rounder, none of those guys from this shitty are really going to help immediately.

no, please, no again!

[strangeweather]

I don't think Villanueva would be availble just yet. There are plenty of minutes to split between three young bigs and Charlie can moonlight at the 3.
I think he might be, but only for the right deal. They have holes they want to fill around the perimeter, so if they could get the right pieces back, I bet Colangelo does it in a heartbeat. For example, If Chicago floats Deng, I'm thinking they return that phone call.

[waly.mg]

Spurs should trade Scola for a draft pick that would get them in a position to draft Tiago Splitter. That kid has the level of athleticism you nedd in a small ballbig man. I might be mistake but I don't think he has too long a contract left with Tau.

Oh, my Godness

No, no and no Please

In this move we trade Scola, the Best Player of the Tau Ceramica for a bench player of the same TAU, this is the most ridiculous move then we can do in the History of the Spurs

[Slinkyman]

Does anyone know if TAU plays today? I've been trying to find out on ACB.com but it's in spanish.

[picnroll]

It's a matter of need. Spurs need a flexible defender and rebounder. Splitter has the potentila to fill that role. That is exactly Scola's weaknesses. If Spurs already had their SF/PF type defender/rebounder then sure bring Scola on down.

[waly.mg]

TAU Cerámica - Winterthur F.C. Barcelona 01/06 20:30 in 35 Minutes
TAU Cerámica - Winterthur F.C. Barcelona 04/06 12:30
Winterthur F.C. Barcelona - TAU Cerámica 08/06 20:30

[Slinkyman]

TAU Cerámica - Winterthur F.C. Barcelona 01/06 20:30 in 35 Minutes
TAU Cerámica - Winterthur F.C. Barcelona 04/06 12:30
Winterthur F.C. Barcelona - TAU Cerámica 08/06 20:30

Thanks waly, do you know of any websites that will update score live?

[waly.mg]

It has to finish with suppositions and to treat to be a little but explicit, if we go by a Player who plays in Europe is necessary to bring to Scola that is the best one, otherwise is necessary to try with Evans or some other NBA player

Many people say that it does not matter what they do in Europe because NBA is Different, but without doubts the best player of Europe is neither Splitter, nor Javtokas, is Scola

With Duncan and Scola in the Team, we have 2 unbelievable players and it must been enough

[waly.mg]

If you use P2P, you can see the game in live

Check this LInk

http://tvmix.net/

[picnroll]

You may be right but Sarunas was an unbelieveable player in Europe and no matter how much some believe he was simply misused by the Pacers he will never be close to an unbelieveable player in the US. His lack of athletcism has passed the critical threshold for NBA play. Will Scola's?

If Scola was sure fire there would likely be teams pounding on the Spurs door to get him. Are there?

[waly.mg]

With 15 Million Buyout and the the Spurs with his rights is very difficult with Only 3M as This year, stay tuned

[picnroll]

The more interest the better. The more options the Spurs have and the better player they could get in a trade if that's the way they chose to go. Another option would be to trade his rights for a 2007 draft pick, a year when some very good players will be in the draft.

[waly.mg]

May be nice the 2007 NYK 1st Draft Pick, we can select 2nd like Chicago thanks to the Curry´s Trade

[picnroll]

Sorry. Chicago already has the right to swap picks with NY for 2007 as part of the Curry swindle. Isiah is a mastermind. :lol

[theroc5]

trade scolas rights our 2nd rounder and rasho for the bulls second pick, then we have more cap to sign a wilcox or a player of that sort.
parker/beno
manu/2nd pick of the draft
bowen/finely
wilcox/horry/oberto
duncan/filler/oberto

the 2nd pick can replace bowen in a yr or 2 to help bring youth

[strangeweather]

trade scolas rights our 2nd rounder and rasho for the bulls second pick, then we have more cap to sign a wilcox or a player of that sort.
parker/beno
manu/2nd pick of the draft
bowen/finely
wilcox/horry/oberto
duncan/filler/oberto

the 2nd pick can replace bowen in a yr or 2 to help bring youth
Even in a weak draft, why would the Bulls give up the #2 pick in the draft to pick up a below average center with a bad contract and an unproven PF?

[waly.mg]

Thanks waly, do you know of any websites that will update score live?

http://jornadavirtual.acb.com/htm/resumen/r328.htm

Scola with 2 Quickly Fouls

Both Splitter and Scola are playing good

[waly.mg]

End of the 2nd Q

Scola 8 Pints (3-3 FG, 2-2 FT) 3 Rebounds in only 10:36

Splitter 7 POints, 3/5 FG 1/2 FT and 4 rebounds in 16:30

The Tau is a ahead: 53-39

[MoSpur]

For some strange reason I am not sold on Scola. I hope he proves me wrong if he is in a Spurs uniform next season.

[Bruno]

Nice first half by Scola. With the foul trouble and the 3 pointers made in second quarter the offense wasn't based on himbut he has show some nice things.
Scola is an nba player for sure.

[waly.mg]

Vs Tau is Playing from the Bench for the Barcelona our close Friend Romain Sato

PLaying .... in the Doghouse with 0 Points, 1 Assists and 2 Fouls in 4:50

Scola is now with 10 Points and 5 boards in 18:42

[waly.mg]

In the stats you can see then Javtokas is a real Spurs players right now

http://www.euroleague.net/plantillas/jugador.jsp?id=BVE

9.6 Points and 8.2 Rebounds with 41.7% (very necessary) from the Foul Line

[waly.mg]

Scola Time in the Clutch


JUGADA MARCADOR
Tiempo de TV [37:07]

Canasta de 2 de NAVARRO, J.C. 90 - 76

MINUTO 38 90 - 74
Canasta de 2 de SCOLA, LUIS 90 - 74
Asistencia de ERDOGAN, SERKAN
Rebote en defensa de DAVID, KORNEL
Triple fallado por BASILE, G.
Canasta de 2 de SCOLA, LUIS 88 - 74
Asistencia de ERDOGAN, SERKAN
Canasta de 2 de KAKIOUZIS, M. 86 - 74
MINUTO 37 86 - 72
Canasta de 2 de SCOLA, LUIS 86 - 72

[waly.mg]

Canasta de 2 de SCOLA, LUIS 92 - 80

21 Points

[picnroll]

3 for 3 on FTs. No way he's Spurs material. Trade him.

[waly.mg]

End of the Game

TAU 96- Barcelona 83

Scola 21 Points (9/13 FG and 3/3 FT), 9 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Block, 1 Steal, o TO and 3 Fouls in 28:42 Minutes

Not too bad

[ducks]

a tad better then rasho

[Bruno]

Nice game by Scola.
His offense is really polished. He plays very well the pick and roll, makes a lot of screens, is active, is very smart, has a good assist game, hits the midrange jumper, has some postmoves and hits FTs.
His defense is quite good. He isn't a paint defender but he is quick and active.
His rebounding is good. He plays hard and can jump (no comparaison with Oberto).

I'm sold on him.

[picnroll]

Since you watched the latest version of Scola, Bruno, who on the Suns and the Mavs can you see him matchng up against on defense?

[waly.mg]

With pardon of the Blasphemy is a TD with 6´9

Or the Small Fundamental

[Bruno]

Since you watched the latest version of Scola, Bruno, who on the Suns and the Mavs can you see him matchng up against on defense?

Mavs : Dirk.
Suns : Tim Thomas or Diaw.

He won't be a lockdown defender but I think that he is quick and active enough to defend on this kind of players. He can do a good job too to avoid offensive rebounds.

[picnroll]

So he can move his feet well enough to stay in front of Dirk and particularly Diaw? Duncan wasn't able to stay in front of Dirk on the perimeter.

[waly.mg]

Mavs : Dirk.
Suns : Tim Thomas or Diaw.

He won't be a lockdown defender but I think that he is quick and active enough to defend on this kind of players. He can do a good job too to avoid offensive rebounds.

And he´s going to make pay they in the other board, not like others

If LUis is on the Floor, probably Irk is going to score, like vs Finley or others, and probably more, but in the other side, you can´t let him alone, because Irk can´t stop him

[Bruno]

So he can move his feet well enough to stay in front of Dirk and particularly Diaw? Duncan wasn't able to stay in front of Dirk on the perimeter.

I don't know if he has the lateral quickness to do that (he hasn't defended quick guys) but he runs the floor quite well. I've find it quicker than Duncan.
His defense under the basket was quite bad but his defense far from the basket was way better with some steals and a lot of activity.

[WalterBenitez]

Scola is playing good ... thanksfuly he'll be in WC