Getting involved in ESPN Insider's "Submit a play" contest

by Mike Prada on Dec 16, 2009 11:19 AM EST in Coaching

Everyone's first reaction to the news that ESPN Insider is running a contest where you can submit an inbounds play for the Wizards to run during a game should be to mock it. Hey, we're 7-15, and it's so bad that we're asking fans to do our job for us! And you're right, it should be mocked, at least initially.

But at the same time ... doesn't this present a pretty cool opportunity for us? I mean, we all want the team to succeed, and we all would probably love a chance to help the team succeed directly, so this seems right up our wheelhouse. I venture to say that BF is a sampling of the most knowledgeable Wizards fan around, so the team should be looking to us for help if they can.

Therefore, I'm proposing that we get involved with this project. I could see us doing this one of two ways (which aren't necessarily mutually exclusive). Unfortunately, according to the rules, group entries aren't allowed, though I'm sure we could circumvent that process and submit it under a person's name when really we came up with it together.

You all submit your plays to me, and then I choose one of them to represent the community. This is the most practical approach, but it's also the least collaborative.
We just talk about it together and bounce ideas off each other, then submit several plays separately. The good - there's a better chance they actually pick up one of our plays. The bad - we might compete with each other too much.

What do you guys think? Some of the important rules for the contest are below the jump. Deadline is December 23. Let me know what you'd do and please start cracking on some ideas for the play (or plays).

E-Mail: espnwizardsplay@gmail.com
Fax: 212-515-1285
Snail Mail: 19 E. 34 St., 7th flr, New York, NY, 10016 (ATTN: Otto Strong)

Please be sure to include the subject line "Inbounds" on any submissions.

[...]

To Enter: Send an email to espnwizardsplay@gmail.com, or a fax to (212) 515-1285 (hereafter "Entry" or "entry"), with the subject line "Inbounds", describing (preferably including a diagram) an inbounds play that sponsor/Wizards feel has a likelihood for success. All entries must: 1) Be no more than [500] words in length; 2) Be the original creation of the entrant 3) Be suitable for publication; and 4) Written in English. To be eligible for judging, the content of your story must not be: offensive, immoral, defamatory, obscene, profane, violent or destructive in nature in any way. The content of Entry must be kept in concert with Sponsor's image. In the event of non-compliance with any of the terms of these Contest Rules, entry will be void as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Modification of an existing work does not qualify as original. Limit one (1) entry per person.

To Submit an Entry: Beginning at 5:00 PM Eastern Time ("ET") on 12/16/09 submit your Entry via email to espnwizardsplay@gmail.com, or fax to (212) 515-1285. All Entries must be received by 5:00PM ET on 12/23/09. Each entry, regardless of method of submission, must contain at least one (1) valid e-mail address or telephone number at which entrant can be contacted. The individual named in the email or fax may be deemed the entrant ("Entrant"). No group entries or entries on behalf of others will be allowed.

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Sideline out of bounds play

Butler takes out ball. Arenas, under the basket, runs his man off Haywood pick at free throw line. Butler passes ball to Arenas outside three point line. Butler runs to just inside three point line on wing, 21 feet from basket. Arenas pass to Butler. Butler pump fake, takes contested jumper.

by disgrunted on Dec 16, 2009 12:24 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Only one pump fake?

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Dec 16, 2009 12:28 PM EST up reply actions

And where’s the part where Boykins dribbles for 15 seconds.

by hotplate on Dec 16, 2009 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

He meant

Jab Step, Jab Step, Pump fake, jab step, leap into defender, throw line drive at the rim once he realizes he isn’t getting the call.

by Manimal Smith on Dec 16, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions

How about

Arenas gets the ball at the 3 point line after running off Haywood screen. Arenas dribbles shot clock down to 6 and drives right . Arenas gets halfway into the lane and draws AB’s man, Gil kicks it out to AB at the 3 point line, time expires before he can get off a 3 pointer.

by ronoD nagrO on Dec 16, 2009 1:25 PM EST up reply actions

To quote Dan Steinberg

Considered for implementation, huh? Be still my heart. I mean, JaVale McGee is considered for implementation just about every game, and see what that’s gotten him.

by Pryme on Dec 16, 2009 1:51 PM EST reply actions

Baseline out of bounds play

Butler takes out ball. Whoever is guarded by someone significantly shorter than he is positions himself at rim. All other players clear out of the lane. Butler lobs ball to that player at the rim. Player jumps, catches it, lands, and then either shoots the ball or is fouled. Best part about this play is that it only takes .4 seconds. I call this play, “Dunleavy.”

If we didn’t laugh, we’d cry.

by disgrunted on Dec 16, 2009 2:39 PM EST reply actions

How about this

Butler takes the ball sideline out when we need to tip the ball in. Javale stands at the three point line and claps his hands. Javale catches the ball and time expires.

by Manimal Smith on Dec 16, 2009 3:09 PM EST reply actions

In all seriousness

This is pretty cool (other than that they won’t really use it). Maybe we can have Rook think of plays and we can cooperatively make them better through group critique.

I liked this play that I saw San Antonio run for Manu Ginobili (though modified)

Butler with the ball side out. Brendan stands at the far elbow while Jamison comes from the far side under the basket. Gilbert looks like he is setting a baseline pick for Jamison along the baseline (so that his man has to play behind him to switch onto Jamison), only he never actually sets the pick. Meanwhile Brendan sets a pick at the elbow. Gilbert uses the Brendan pick and flashes open at the three point line where he should have an open look.

This play works better when the ball is live and I’m not sure Gil can set a believable looking pick (Butler might be better for this), but I thought it was a cool play

by Manimal Smith on Dec 16, 2009 3:40 PM EST reply actions