Raptors team up with IBM supercomputer Watson to analyze player talent
The Raptors (35-16) are just two games back of the Cavaliers for best team in the Eastern Conference. But they're hoping that recruiting some help from a supercomputer will help Toronto take them to the next level.
Tech Crunch reports that IBM has partnered with the Raptors to provide analysis from Watson, the supercomputer that famously defeated former "Jeopardy!" champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter at their own game.
IBM and Watson are collaborating with the Raptors on a new service, IBM Sports Insights Central, to customize and help the Raptors find the best players, free agents and trades for the NBA franchise's specific needs.
Tech Crunch explains exactly what's included:
It starts with Watson’s ability to analyze vast amounts of unstructured data quickly, explained Jim Rushton, global leader for IBM sports and entertainment practice.
It also includes other tools from the IBM Bluemix platform including the AlchemyAPI (which the Watson group purchased last year) and some help from IBM Research, which fine-tuned the tools to match Toronto’s player development requirements.
Does this mean NBA general managers will be replaced by supercomputers?
Depth charts, in-depth player stats, a real life trade machine and more in the new Raptors war room pic.twitter.com/JYR7XIYsIh
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) February 10, 2016
“You will never replace the human element," IBM sports and entertainment global leader Jim Rushton said in the report. "This solution was developed to augment the human element, to bring together all this data where humans might not see the patterns."
The Raptors, already within striking distance for best team in the Eastern Conference this season, will certainly appreciate the added support in their pursuit of an NBA championship.
And OK, so Toronto teaming up with Watson doesn't exactly have the same impact that signing upcoming free agent Kevin Durant would. But if the product works out for the Raptors, expect it to roll out to other professional sports teams as well.
Bryan Kalbrosky produces digital content for FOXSports.com. For more, follow him on Twitter @BryanKalbrosky
