HOUSTON — Ask Nuggets coach George Karl about Rockets forward Luis Scola and the likely response will be a head shake and slight smile.
There is frustration and admiration there.
Scola long has been a member of the Argentina National Team, a squad that beat Karl’s USA squad at the 2002 World Championships in Indianapolis. Karl, however, is a fan of the Rockets’ move to get the 6-foot-9 forward. The Rockets acquired Scola in an offseason trade with San Antonio in July.
“He is kind of an old-school guy that knows how to play,” Karl said. “He plays with great hustle and great intensity, but also with intelligence. I think he’s been impressive already, and I think he’ll be more impressive as the season goes on. I think he’ll learn the game a little bit better, he’ll move on the learning curve faster than most because of his experiences. And I think it’s a great pickup by them.”
Scola averaged 13.3 points in his past three games coming into Saturday night’s contest.
Smith jersey toss. Last season, J.R. Smith started what he wants to be a tradition of tossing his jersey into the stands after each game. He wanted that to continue, but a holdup in getting all of the jerseys has not allowed him to do it so far this season.
Originally, he was to have 82 delivered at $225 apiece for a total of $18,450. When they are delivered, he will start delivering them into the crowd.
“That’s what it’s about,” Smith said. “It’s about the fans. It ain’t about us and the money we get paid to do this, it’s about them.”
Footnotes. Forward Linas Kleiza did not play because of a sprained ankle. Karl said he will reserve judgment on whether the Rockets can be an elite team in the Western Conference until mid-to-late December. “I think you have to wait another 10 to 15 games before you make a prediction on Houston or the Denver Nuggets,” Karl said. “We’re off to a good start, they’re off to a struggling start. But it’s 82 games, not 12 games.” The Rockets placed forward Bonzi Wells on the inactive list before the game.
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
