Luis Scola puttin' the team on his back

[KobeOwnsDuncan]

Shortly before the NBA Draft, Rockets coach Rick Adelman started studying film on Luis Scola when he learned that there was a remote possibility that his team could lure the power forward away from San Antonio.

The coach didn't need long to assess what the shaggy-haired power forward from Argentina could potentially bring to his lineup.

"What I saw on tape was someone who's always moving and always active," Adelman said. "He plays hard. That's what really impressed me."

And that, in a nuts , is what the Rockets are seeking from their latest addition.

Scola, one of Europe's best players over the past five seasons, signed a contract with the Rockets Tuesday, less than a week after the Spurs traded him to Houston. The deal will become effective following the buyout of his contract with the Spanish team Tau Ceramica of the Euroleague.

The Rockets sorely needed help at power forward heading into the offseason, having only one potential returning player at the position in Chuck Hayes. That's the void that Scola will fill.

Besides potentially becoming the team's starting power forward, the Argentina star is expected to bring more toughness and offensive skills to the frontcourt. He was a two-time MVP of the Spanish League and helped his country win its first-ever gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.

"Luis obviously fills a position of need," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. "We thought he was the best guy out there. He has size and experience and he's been a winner at every level. He's someone that we think can come in and contribute right away to the team."

The Spurs selected Scola with a second-round pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, but were unable to sign him because of a large buyout.

Since then, the Spurs were seeking a trade partner, preferring a team outside the Southwest Division. Unable to find a desirable deal beyond the Southwest, San Antonio sent the draft rights to Scola along with reserve center Jackie Butler to Houston in exchange for Greek guard Vassilis Spanoulis and a 2009 second-round pick.

The trade helped give the 27-year old forward an opportunity to finally realize his dream of playing in the NBA.

"I'm really happy about how things turned out," said Scola, who had been waiting five years to make the move to the NBA after being chosen by the Spurs. "I'm thankful with the Spurs because, in the end, I think they helped me with this deal.

"This has been my dream since I was a little kid. When I first started playing for the international team against NBA players, I could see that I was coming closer. It becomes a goal."

[VBM]