NBA Trade News 2013: Luis Scola Finally Fixes Indiana Pacers ‘Big Problem’

The Indiana Pacers, the team that pushed the Miami Heat to seven games in the last Eastern Conference Finals, have just gotten better after acquiring veteran big man Luis Scola via trade with the Phoenix Suns, a source close to situation reported on Saturday.

Yahoo Sports NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news about the Pacers' pursuit of Scola, who averaged 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 82 games with the Suns last season.

Reports said the Pacers sent Gerald Green and draft consideration to Suns in exchange for Scola, keeping their young and talented core intact for another deep postseason run next season.

Scola is obviously a big upgrade for the Pacers, which is an elite defensive team but lacks offensive firepower. With the Argentine in the fold, the Pacers will have a solid bench scorer, a versatile big man and a proven winner all in one acquisition.

Solid Bench scorer

The 33-years old Scola is expected to come off the bench as a back-up for David West. Last season, the Pacers had Tyler Hansbrough coming in as a backup for West, bringing his rebounding ability and toughness on the floor. Though the former North Carolina star did a fine job in his role, Scola's ability to score in bunches is what the Pacers really need. Scola is a career 50 percent field goal shooter and can really provide much-needed points in limited minutes.

Versatile Big man

One thing that sets Scola apart from majority of today's big men is his knack in making long jumpers. Though he often takes shots from the three-point line, the Argentine is an efficient shooter just inside the arc and has the quick feet to finish pick-and-roll plays with ease. Scola's flexibility to play the small forward and forward position gives the Pacers the luxury to field a big lineup with Roy Hibbert, West, Scola, Paul George, and George Hill playing at the same time.

Proven Winner

Scola has not advanced into the Conference Finals since he decided to play in the NBA in 2007. However, he is perhaps one of the most accomplished basketball players in the international arena with medals in the Olympic (Athens Olympics Champion) and World Basketball Championship. Like other Argentine players (Manu Ginobili, Pablo Priogini, and Carlos Delfino), Scola knows what it takes to win games. From diving loose balls to planting good screens, Scola can bring it out there and that what makes him really 'The biggest steal of this summer.'