Phoenix Suns: Luis Scola Trade Continues Stockpiling Trend

The Phoenix Suns have completed the Luis Scola trade to the Indiana Pacers in a move that continues general manager Ryan McDonough’s quest to stockpile assets. The Indiana Pacers sent Gerald Green, Miles Plumlee and a 2014 first-round pick (lottery protected) in return for Scola. The plan for the Suns is clear, as they want to arm themselves with as many assets as possible to continue the rebuild. It’s worked before, after all.

Don’t forget that McDonough was the architect of the Boston Celtics rebuild that brought a championship to Boston back in 2008. Bringing Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to Boston to pair with Paul Pierce wasn’t the original plan, but because of the pile of assets McDonough and his staff had acquired, they were able to go off-course and it paid tremendous dividends.

Scola has always been good in and around the paint. Photo Credit: Michael Dunlap, HoopsHabit.com

The Suns are planning to rebuild through the draft and now have the potential for three first-round picks in the heavily anticipated 2014 NBA draft. They also have two first-rounders in the 2015 NBA draft. This enables them to be ready in case a big name becomes available, but it also gives them the flexibility to trade up in the draft to acquire tomorrow’s next superstar.

Rebuilding doesn’t happen overnight, but the Suns are already on the right track. Getting rid of Scola wasn’t a move that was indicative of Scola’s play. In fact, Scola was arguably the most consistent player on the entire roster in 2012-13. Rather, the Suns realized they had a logjam at the power forward position and needed to make a change.

Markieff Morris, Michael Beasley and Channing Frye (when he returns) could all see time at the power forward in the uptempo system that head coach Jeff Hornacek will employ. Having a stretch 4 is much more desirable in that system than having a player with the low-post tendencies of Scola.

Green was brought in because he makes the salaries match and although he won’t bring a ton of wins, he’ll definitely bring some excitement. He was a major disappointment in Indiana in 2012-13 after having a resurgence with the New Jersey Nets back in 2011-12. Green is as athletic as they come and at worst, he’ll create some highlights next to

and

in the backcourt.

Plumlee wasn’t just a throw-in to the deal, either. He had a remarkably underwhelming rookie season with the Pacers, but he’s coming off a very strong showing in the Orlando Summer League. Plumlee averaged 10 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 3.0 blocks in just 27 minutes per game. He’s another athletic big that can fit well within the Suns system.

The Suns are certainly not finished, either. Marcin Gortat is a very desirable trade chip with an expiring contract and a solid game to match. When contenders come calling later in the year, the Suns will certainly look to increase the stockpile of draft picks and young talent.

Although they’re far from contenders at this point, the rebuild is moving at full speed. The Suns are as well positioned as any lottery team, with a group of solid young players, a plethora of draft picks and a management team that knows what they want. Times have been tough in Phoenix for a few years and that’s likely to continue in 2013-14. However, once those picks go to use and the players have a chance to develop, the Sun(s) will rise again.