EB2 wrote:No offense, but I think phraz had a right to question you because you were saying that the preseason actually matters, but it really doesnt.
A suggestion is you might read the article I quoted and wikipedia about linear regression. A statistician at 82games.com ran some regression tests to determine if preseason success would be an indicator of in-season success. The answer was yes, a very high correlation, but only when the team was crappy the season before. Exactly the situation the Suns were heading towards by going 3-0. I only pointed out that teams who fit the situation of losing in the previous season but winning in the preseason of the next year had on average a 19 game improvement. Hence 44 wins for the Suns. So in some cases the preseason does matter. I certainly wouldn't say this is always going to happen but when the situation arises, the odds are in a teams favor. If I were a betting man then I would almost certainly make money more often that not in these situations. Said another way, the professionals are looking at individual player analytics and use those for drafting and free agent acquisitions in most sports now. Team analytics is also important and this was just an example that was too easily dismissed by phraz and now you. Again some light reading might help you better understand the situation.
and just PO'd I didn't nut up and drop 5bills on them.