Earl Watson Is Turning The Suns Around With One Simple Stat: High Fives

LBS-  “Controlling for how much money they’re making, the expectations that they would do well during that season, how well they we’re doing in that game,” Keltner said via the Suns website. “Not only did they win more games but there’s really nice basketball statistics of how selfless the play is.”

Armed with that knowledge, Suns head coach Earl Watson says the team is tracking high fives.

​“We have a high-five stat,” Watson said. “I’m being honest with you. This is true. So we want to keep track of how many high-fives we get per game to each other.”



Advanced analytics. The statistics that don't show up on Sportscenter. You want to win professional sporting events in 2016? You find new numbers that give you a perceived competitive advantage, and what better numbers to focus on then numbers that can't be altered by your opposition's play? Not sure if you heard about teamwork, but it actually makes the dream work. Considering the Suns lack of talent in the Western Conference, realizing a dream is exactly what they are going to need to do to be successful. Can't do that without embracing camaraderie, so why wouldn't Phoenix corner the market on public displays of togetherness?

If we have learned anything from the mathematicians doing calculations for every new age organization it's that the only way to truly benefit from an intangible is to make it tangible. You can only say you are the "closest" team if there's a stat you can point to that proves it to be true. I suppose the Suns would be in first place by default since no other team is progressive enough to count high fives, but the rest of the league won't be laughing when they are slapping skins and collecting wins. Coaches have had in backwards for years. Counting on victories to breed fellowship, when it's fellowship that breeds victories. Just wait until Earl Watson figures out how to staticize hugs, chest bumps, and ass pats. Then you're all in big, big trouble. Better bring your PDA's if you want to compete with the most selfless team in the NBA, or find yourself confused when padding the box score has you counting your triple doubles from the losing locker room.