Call Your Shot Contest: Bring it on!

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 20, 2008 10:47 AM MST in Suns News

Update [2008-2-22 19:14:14 by srp]:

Now that the game is one I thought I would do a quick check in on the standings.

Here's the Pre-trade vs. Current numbers:

	Pre-trade Stat:	Current Stat:	Differential:
PPG	109.4	110.05	+.65
OPG	103.3	104.5	+1.18
FG%	49.2%	49.4%	+.2%
OFG%	45%	45.3%	+.3%
TREB Diff	-6	-5.26	+.74
Win%	70.8%	68.5%	-2.3%

Based on things so far here's the standing in our little contents and the "score" which is based on the absolute value of the prediction vs. actual. I can post the actual calculation used sometime later. But for now - here's the standings:

1st: Hawk42 - 0.40
2nd: Mazzou - 0.52
3rd: kidzero - 2.47
the rest
brian13 - 2.92
srp - 3.94
kj7- 4.02
Turumbar - 4.82
AZSEAFan - 5.32
Aluminum Foyle - 5.52
calphxfan - 7.80
SilverSprings - 8.12
Jsun - 12.02

Update [2008-2-20 12:47:18 by srp]:

Last chance to call your shot!

Win a Shaq Jersey! Call your shot!

We have ranted and raved and top ten'd this to death and now Shaq is here and its time to see what happens next. In fact, I am more then a little intrigued to see how this all plays out. But to make it a bit more interesting - as if this deal needed that - I think a little contest is in order so here's the rules:

The idea is to see if the Suns are better before the deal or after. Using some key stats we will see at the end of the year if the Suns have improved or declined. It's that simple.

All you have to do is call your shot on how the Suns finish versus their pre-deal numbers in the following areas:

Points per game
Opp points per game
FG%
Opp FG%
Total Rebound per game diff
Win/Lose %

Here's the pre-deal numbers and my picks using this site as reference:

Points per game / 109.4 / -3
Opp points per game / 103.3 / +1.5
FG% / 49.2% / -.5%
Opp FG% / 45% / + 2%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / +.5
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / - 5%

Bonus Question: How far do the Suns make it in the playoffs?

I predict the Suns are out in the 2nd round and the Lakers win the West (that hurts just to type).

Translated it goes like this:
Stat / pre-deal stat / change in pre-deal stat at the end of the regular season. So for TReb per Game the pre-deal stat is -6 (we average 6 less total rebounds per game then our opponent) and I predict that this stat will increase by .5 so at the end of the season that stat will be -5.5. Clear?

To play this little game email me with your predictions any time before Shaq plays his first game as a Sun to: BSoSsrp at gmail.com
(and be sure to post your predictions in the comments as well).

The Prize :

The person that gets closest to the actual end of season results gets a Shaq jersey.

Alright you diesel fume addled fans. Its time to call your shot - Bring it On!

0 recs | Comment 29 comments

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Comments

Shaq Effect

Points per game / 109.4 / -1
Opp points per game / 103.3 / -1.5
FG% / 49.2% / +.5%
Opp FG% / 45% / +1%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / +1
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / -2%

Bonus Question: How far do the Suns make it in the playoffs?

Win it all.

by mazzou on Feb 11, 2008 2:50 PM MST 0 recs

Ok, I'll bite

Points per game / 109.4 / +1
Opp points per game / 103.3 / -1.5
FG% / 49.2% / +1.5%
Opp FG% / 45% / -1%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / +2
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / +1.5%

Bonus Question: How far do the Suns make it in the playoffs?

Lose championship to Boston.

by AZSEAfan on Feb 11, 2008 3:12 PM MST 0 recs

Wow

how's that Diesel flavored Koolaid tasting? :)

Phoenix - where bitter happens

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 11, 2008 3:17 PM MST up 0 recs

Contest update

Smack talking is not only allowed, its encouraged. Bring it.

Phoenix - where bitter happens

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 11, 2008 3:18 PM MST up 0 recs

haha

very cool

by jasonsuns1 on Feb 11, 2008 4:37 PM MST up 0 recs

Where's your entry?

Are you going to call your shot here or what?

Phoenix - where bitter happens

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 11, 2008 5:09 PM MST up 0 recs

Much better

than that crow you're gonna be eating!

by AZSEAfan on Feb 12, 2008 9:43 AM MST up 0 recs

I Already Pre-Ordered a Purple One

I already pre-ordered a purple jersey (the Purple People Eater, as I like to call it), so make sure you buy the orange one as advertised for me.

Also, I need a point of clarification. There have been three "post-deal" games in which Shaq did not play, and he may sit out a few more. Therefore, I'm assuming your numbers, and this contest, goes from the date of the deal, starting before the Hornets game, and includes the Hornets game as well as all post-Hornets regular season games. The further assumption is that the numbers you have provided reflect the percentages the day before the Hornets game.

If my assumptions are incorrect, I reserve the right to change my predictions.

So, here it goes:

Points per game / 109.4 / -1.5
Opp points per game / 103.3 / -3.5
FG% / 49.2% / +.9%
Opp FG% / 45% / - 1.25%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / +6.25
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / +.5%

Answer to the Bonus Question:

I'm torn between "lose embarassingly in a first-round sweep" or "take the championship in Game 5 at home" (because Detroit and Boston will have better records by virtue of beating the crap out of crappy Leastern Conference teams).

I'm going with a Game 5 home victory against the Pistons.

I also predict that, in the fortunate event that the Suns play the Lakers, Shaq rips down at least one backboard in the Staples Center. "Where Kazaam happens."

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Feb 11, 2008 5:11 PM MST 0 recs

You are correct sir

The pre-deal numbers are from all the games up to and including the Bobcats game on 2/4. Marion's final game as a Sun.

The end of the year calculations will be the total for the rest of the season starting with the Hornets game on 2/6 which is the first post-deal game.

It matters not that Shaq hasn't played yet other then to provide a nice stopping point for entries in our little contest.

The impact of the entire deal is the point.

Phoenix - where bitter happens

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 11, 2008 5:19 PM MST up 0 recs

Alrighty, then

My numbers are therefore set in stone.

Orange, XL, please. Pass the Kool-Aid!

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Feb 11, 2008 5:25 PM MST up 0 recs

Kool-Aid is right

You saying that the Suns offense will decrease and the defense will get better? How exactly is that going to work now if the big fella can't move laterally any more? Nice though. The more of ya that keep picking like this the more likely it is that I will win the jersey myself! Oh, and I will be selecting an Amare jersey as my rich reward!

Phoenix - where bitter happens

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 11, 2008 6:01 PM MST up 0 recs

Contest Rules and Such

First of all, the contest "winner" gets a Shaq jersey. So, if you win, you get a Shaq jersey. There is no option of choosing which one you want.

I'm reminded of The Simpsons episode in which Homer and Ned make a bet about whose son will will the mini-golf tournament. The precise language was, "The dad whose boy is not the winner shall mow the other's lawn in his wife's Sunday dress." When it was a tie, neither boy was a winner so they each mowed each other's line in said dress.

I, much like Homer, am going to hold you to the rules of the game. You said, "The person that gets closest to the actual end of season results gets a Shaq jersey." I hope you win. I'll be looking for your orange Shaq jersey in the stands next season.

My predictions are not necessarily based on my belief as much as what I think will happen IF this all works properly. IF it all works out, then the Suns will not score quite as much but they will have a better defense.

I think the Suns will be more efficient on offense, but the secondary break will not be as effective unless Shaq starts eating Popeye's spinach. The half-court will likely improve (IF Shaq stays healthy), but that is going to take a lot more time to set up. Also, part of the decrease in offense is based on the fact that the second part of the schedule is tougher than the first part.

Defensively, the Suns simply cannot get worse. Look, there were already a ton of opposing players in the lane precisely because of the porous perimeter defense and need to double low. I don't care if Shaq cannot cover Duncan in the low post. Duncan is going to have a helluva time getting there. When he gets there, he'll score (just like he does when STAT lets him get there ... over and over and over again). IF it works properly, Duncan won't get as good as a position as often. Shaq probably won't get a lot of blocked shots, but Amare will provide help defense. Amare's been great at help defense, it's his one-on-one that is so pathetic.

So ... there you go.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Feb 11, 2008 6:20 PM MST up 0 recs

Speaking of Jerseys

I just ordered mine at a bargin price....

Phoenix - where bitter happens

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 11, 2008 6:26 PM MST up 0 recs

Go Ahead, Pour Salt in the wound

I was just recovering ...

but I almost ordered one, too. Must. Move. On.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Feb 11, 2008 8:38 PM MST up 0 recs

I am cheap

I could never bring myself to spend $50 on a jersey that I really wouldn't ever wear except to a game but for $20 I am all over that.

Of course, I did the same with BK Kim after he left the first time and I still wear my purple #49 to D-backs games.

Not that you can compare Kim to Marion but I digress.

Phoenix - where bitter happens

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 12, 2008 8:07 AM MST up 0 recs

Shaq contest

Points per game / 109.4 / -1.5
Opp points per game / 103.3 / -1.5
FG% / 49.2% / +.5%
Opp FG% / 45% / -.1%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / +1.75
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / - 1%
Bonus Question: How far do the Suns make it in the playoffs?
Win Championship

best of luck to all...and I hope I'm right.

by kidzero on Feb 12, 2008 7:57 AM MST 0 recs

Another vote

for Shaq's impacting the D....

Phoenix - where bitter happens

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 12, 2008 7:58 AM MST up 0 recs

Increase

in defensive rebounds should help curtail the shot opportunites a little. I'm not saying Shaq will get 12 boards a game but I could definitely see Amare picking up a few more.

by AZSEAfan on Feb 12, 2008 9:46 AM MST up 0 recs

Bumping back to the top

I bumped this back to the top so it can get some extra attention ahead of Shaq's debut (whenever that is).

by TexSUN on Feb 12, 2008 9:08 AM MST 0 recs

sure, why not

Points per game / 109.4 / -1.1
Opp points per game / 103.3 / +0.3
FG% / 49.2% / +.5%
Opp FG% / 45% / + 0.3%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / - 2.0
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / - 2.2%
Bonus Question: How far do the Suns make it in the playoffs?

I predict the Suns lose in the conference championship to the Hornets

'07-'08 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Feb 12, 2008 10:23 AM MST 0 recs

Come on Shaq! Get yourself a ring and me a jersey!

Points per game / 109.4 / -2.5
Opp points per game / 103.3 / -1
FG% / 49.2% / +.5%
Opp FG% / 45% / +1%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / +1.5
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / -3.5%

Bonus Question: How far do the Suns make it in the playoffs?

I'm gonna predict that we win the Championship in 6 against the Pistons.

The only reason I'm predicting that is because if Shaq doesn't lead us to a championship.. I'm not gonna want his stupid jersey anyway.

by brian13 on Feb 12, 2008 12:16 PM MST 0 recs

Numbers

Points per game / 109.4 / -2
Opp points per game / 103.3 / -4
FG% / 49.2% / +2%
Opp FG% / 45% / +0%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / +2
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / +0%

Suns will win in Finals against Boston in 7.

by SilverSprings on Feb 12, 2008 1:09 PM MST 0 recs

FOR TEH WIN!!!111!!111

Points per game / 109.4 /+2.5
Opp points per game / 103.3 /-2
FG% / 49.2% /+1%
Opp FG% / 45% /-.5%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 /+3
Win/Lose % / 70.8% /-1%

God help us all if they dont take it to the Finals: Suns in 6 against Celtics

"I have heard that in war haste can be folly, but have never seen delay that was wise." Sun Tzu The Art of War

by Turambar on Feb 12, 2008 3:35 PM MST 0 recs

in the bag

Points per game / 109.4 / +2.4
Opp points per game / 103.3 / +1.6
FG% / 49.2% / +2.6%
Opp FG% / 45% / + 2.1%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / +6.24
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / - 3.6%

Bonus Question: till nash has an o'brian to go between the podoloffs in his trophy case.

suns in 6 v. celtics

by calphxfan on Feb 12, 2008 8:07 PM MST 0 recs

Come on money!

Points per game / 109.4 / -2.5
Opp points per game / 103.3 / -1.5
FG% / 49.2% / +0.5%
Opp FG% / 45% / -0.5%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / +1.5
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / - 4%

Bonus Question: How far do the Suns make it in the playoffs?

Answer: Suns out in the Conference Finals
- ouch, that kills me to type it, but the West is just so tough and I worry about Shaq's durability.

by KJ7 on Feb 14, 2008 8:58 AM MST 0 recs

Email me your picks

I only have emails from 8 people and there are 10 entries here.

Be sure to email me at bsossrp at gmail.com for your entry to count.

Phoenix - where bitter happens

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 14, 2008 4:20 PM MST 0 recs

Purple Kool-Aid

I just got email notification that my Purple People Eater jersey has been shipped. I can't wait to get my orange one, too.

Mmmmm ... Guinness

by JSun on Feb 14, 2008 6:10 PM MST 0 recs

As the man said

Step away from the crack pipe....

Phoenix - where bitter happens

by Phoenix Stan on Feb 15, 2008 12:47 AM MST up 0 recs

My picks that are sure to go wrong

Points per game / 109.4 / -4
Opp points per game / 103.3 / -1
FG% / 49.2% / + 0.4%
Opp FG% / 45% / -.5%
TReb per Game Diff / -6 / +2.5
Win/Lose % / 70.8% / -3.6%

Bonus Question: How far do the Suns make it in the playoffs?

I say they win it all in 7 games over "DEEE-TROIT BASKETBALL!", because I think the Suns are due for some good karma. Quite frankly they could really use it after last year.

by Aluminum Foyle on Feb 16, 2008 9:23 PM MST 0 recs