I also noticed the Spurs uncanny ability to draft solid players, with most international at that.

Is it really the scouting though?

I believe that the Spurs organization is such a classy org, that they know how to utilize their players to their strengths instead of pushing young players away. They even know how good they are, giving away Scola since they knew he was full of talent.. instead of having him join their already dominant backcourt.