Scola Leaving NBA for Greece?
By:
Bill Ingram
Last Updated: 6/23/08 11:13 AM ET
| 648 times read
Reports out of Greece today have the Greek team Panathinaikos in talks with the Houston Rockets about power forward Luis Scola. According to sources close to Panathinaikos, the team for which former Rockets guard Vasilis Spanoulis plays, they're in the process of buying out Scola's contract with the Rockets so that he can return to Europe, where he has earned an impressive list of honors for his feats on the basketball court.
We're not sure what's caused the sudden commotion in Greece, but Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey assured HOOPSWORLD this morning that there is absolutely no truth to the reports.
We've had several discussions with Rockets execs this summer, and each time we've been assured that Luis Scola is untouchable, and thought to be a big part of the team's future. Small wonder, given the way he improved over the course of his rookie season. By the time the playoffs rolled around Scola was playing like a seasoned veteran, and averaged nearly 14 points and 10 rebounds in the postseason.
Someone's obviously saying something about Scola heading to Greece or this wouldn't have come out in so many media outlets simultaneously, but for anything to happen the Rockets would have to approve the deal . . .and that simply isn't going to happen.
Update: Apparently this was an idea that was floated around the team as something they should explore, but the Rockets' love for Scola has led them to explore other options.
About the Author: BILL INGRAM
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Bill Ingram is a Senior Writer for HOOPSWORLD, powering HOOPSWORLD.com. Bill covers the entire NBA and the Western Conference from Dallas. He is a member of the Professional Basketball Writers Association and has been covering the NBA for ten seasons.
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posted By poutsa stin paiania, 23 June 2008 10:45:19 AM
almost
posted By Bill Ingram, 24 June 2008 9:01:09 AM
So here's what happened, as I've been able to piece it together. Apparently Panathinaikos' arch rival is trying to sign Anthony Parker, who is a "ringer" in their view. Internally the execs with Panathinaikos were throwing around names that they would like to have to one-up their rivals, and Luis Scola was the dream choice. So it wasn't that they thought they would get him, it was more of a "wouldn't it be great if we could get Luis Scola" situation.
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