PACERS SECURE SCOLA FROM PHOENIX
The Indiana Pacers acquired center-power forward Luis Scola from the Phoenix Suns for small forward Gerald Green, center-power forward Miles Plumlee, and a 2014 lottery-protected first-round draft pick.
What does it give the Indiana Pacers
Despite having a mostly young core the Pacers have become one of the Eastern Conference's perennial contenders, and Scola is a perfect fit for them. He gives Indy much-needed depth in the post backing up {P Roy Hibbert} at center and {P David West} at power forward, and generally brings smart, durable, hustling skill and leadership in the paint. On most teams Scola would be a starter but in Indy he will be one of the NBA's better third options in the post rotation. Expect him to provide dependable scoring, rebounding, and energy as a top sixth man.
What does it give the Phoenix Suns
The Suns are in rebuild mode and looking to get younger and more up-tempo, so aging veteran big man Scola became expendable. Phoenix will miss Scola's leadership and energy but {P Markieff Morris} is now the present and future at power forward for them. Meanwhile, getting a first-round draft pick is key to the rebuild (although it's lottery-protected, meaning it can't come within the draft's top 14 selections). Green has star talent but still lacks consistency, while Plumlee is a quality post prospect who hasn't quite found his NBA niche yet.
Fantasy impact
{P Markieff Morris} gets the biggest boost in this deal, as he seems likely to become a full-time starter for the Suns. Expect him to produce strong numbers with the jump in playing time, including a fairly rare mix of three-pointers, rebounds, blocks, and steals. Scola's fantasy value takes a minor dive with his move here from Phoenix starter to Indiana backup, but he should remain fairly productive in deeper fantasy leagues. Green and Plumlee both have renewed chances to earn bigger minutes on a less-talented new team in Phoenix, but they face a crowded situation (and neither is yet a lock for even regular playing time on the Suns).
