Amanda Knapp
Basketball is a game of numbers, and statistics play a crucial role in understanding and improving performance. One of the most important metrics is a player's average points per game (APPG), which indicates their scoring ability and contribution to the team's success. While APPG is a simple calculation, it has its limitations and doesn't account for factors like shooting efficiency or the impact of missed shots on teammates. To gain a deeper understanding, coaches and analysts use other metrics like rebounds, assists, defensive ratings, and true scoring percentage, which provide insights into a player's all-around contribution beyond just scoring. These statistics are invaluable tools for coaches to make strategic decisions, optimize performance, and formulate game plans. They also play a significant role in sports betting, helping bettors evaluate teams' matchup potentials and make informed predictions. By analyzing trends and understanding the nuances of these statistics, coaches, players, and bettors can make more effective choices, ultimately influencing the outcome of the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points per game | A common metric used to measure the ability to score |
| True Scoring Percentage | A better way to determine a player's scoring contribution than points per game |
| Average three-point shooter percentage | 33% or more, even when guarded |
| Points from 2-pointers | Can be measured as a percentage of total points |
| Points from 3-pointers | Can be measured as a percentage of total points |
| Points from free throws | Can be measured as a percentage of total points |
| Shooting percentage | Includes effective field goal percentage, three-point percentage, two-point percentage, and free-throw percentage |
| Field goals made and attempted per game | Includes field goals from both two and three-point ranges |
| Three-pointers made and attempted per game | Can be measured separately from field goals |
| Free throws made and attempted per game | Can be measured separately |
| Rebounds | Includes offensive and defensive rebounds, as well as total rebounds |
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Points per game (PPG)
While PPG is a useful indicator, it has limitations. It does not account for the varying playing time of players and can be misleading, especially for players who play fewer minutes but are highly effective in specific clutch scenarios. Additionally, PPG does not differentiate between offensive and defensive players, as a player's contribution to the team's overall performance goes beyond just scoring points.
To address these limitations, coaches and analysts often consider other metrics, such as True Scoring Percentage (TS%). TS% takes into account the effectiveness of a player's scoring ability by considering the percentage of shots made, regardless of their playing time. This metric provides a more accurate representation of a player's scoring contribution to the team.
It is worth noting that PPG has its advantages as well. It factors in the breadth of scenarios in which a player is effective. A player who is versatile and contributes in multiple ways is likely to play more minutes and have a higher PPG, reflecting their overall impact on the team's performance.
When evaluating a player's performance, it is essential to consider a combination of metrics, including PPG, TS%, and other statistical data that captures the multifaceted nature of the game and the diverse roles players assume on the court.
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True scoring percentage
True shooting percentage (TS%) is a metric used in basketball to measure a player's efficiency at shooting the ball. It is considered a more accurate way to calculate a player's scoring ability than field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and three-point field goal percentage, which are often used as common metrics. These common metrics do not always give the best indication of a player's ability to score points in a way that contributes to their team's success. For example, a player can increase their scoring average by taking more shots, even if they do not make a high percentage of them.
TS% takes into account two- and three-point field goals and free throws. It is a useful tool for coaches to quickly and easily determine which players are the most efficient at scoring. It also provides tangible proof of which players are taking too many shots and which need to be taking more.
Several players in the NBA are known for their consistently high TS%, including Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns, and Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks. Curry, for example, had a TS% of 65.3% in the 2020-2021 season, showcasing his efficient scoring across all types of shots.
TS% is calculated using the following formula:
TS% = 0.5 * (Total Points) / {(Total Field Goal Attempts) + 0.44 * (Total Free Throw Attempts)}
The "0.44" multiplier accounts for all free throws that take up possessions.
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Rebounds
In basketball, a rebound is a statistic awarded to a player who retrieves the ball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds are a routine part of the game, and they can be grabbed by either an offensive or defensive player.
There are two main categories of rebounds: offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds. Offensive rebounds are when the offensive side recovers the ball after a missed shot, retaining possession. Defensive rebounds are when the defending team gains possession after a missed shot. The majority of rebounds are defensive rebounds because the defending team is usually in a better position to recover missed shots (i.e., they are closer to the basket).
Rebounding statistics are important for both players and coaches. Players can track their rebounding average by dividing the number of rebounds by the number of games played. This allows them to see their progress and work on improving their skills. Coaches can use rebounding statistics to identify weaknesses, set goals, and develop strategies. For example, coaches can track the number of times players box out and then attack the ball, encouraging players to do this quickly.
Some famous players known for their rebounding skills include Wilt Chamberlain, who led the NBA in rebounds in 11 different seasons and has the highest career average of 22.9 rebounds per game. Bill Russell was the first player to average over 20 rebounds per game in the regular season, and Dennis Rodman led the league in rebounds per game for seven consecutive seasons.
While opinions vary, some people argue that rebounds are more valuable than points because they lead to possessions, which lead to scoring opportunities. However, others argue that rebounds are not intrinsically more valuable than points, which directly determine the outcome of the game. Ultimately, both scoring and rebounding are crucial to a team's success.
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Assists
An assist in basketball is when a player passes the ball to a teammate, who then scores a basket as a direct result. The exact definition of an assist can vary between different basketball leagues. For example, in the NBA, an assist is only awarded when a player passes the ball directly to the scorer. In the NCAA, an assist can be any pass that contributes to a field goal, even if the ball is passed to someone other than the scorer.
Assist percentage is an estimate of the percentage of teammate field goals that a player assisted while on the court. The formula to calculate assist percentage is:
> 100 x Assists/(((Minutes played/(Team Minutes/5)) x Team field goals made - field goals made as a result of the player's assist)
A high assist percentage indicates that a player is contributing to the team's overall scoring, even if they are not the one making the shots. This can be valuable for the team as it means that defenders cannot afford to ignore the player, which creates more opportunities for the team's scorers.
The number of assists a player should aim for will depend on their position and playing style. For example, a good point guard in squad rec should aim for 10 or more assists, while in solo rec, 5 or more assists is considered solid. LeBron James set a personal record of 684 assists during the 2019-2020 season, which works out to an average of around 8 or 9 assists per game.
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Defensive rating
There are a few different ways to calculate defensive ratings, and they can be calculated differently depending on the league. For example, in the NBA, the defensive rating of a team is calculated differently on bref than it is on nba.com.
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Frequently asked questions
Calculate your average points per game by adding up the total points you've scored in the season and dividing that by the number of games played.
You can calculate your True Scoring Percentage, which takes into account the number of opportunities a player has missed and how those missed shots may have hurt the team's scoring opportunities. You can also look at your rebounds per game, assists, defensive rating, and PER (a per-minute evaluation of a player's skills).
Understanding your points average can help you identify areas for improvement. For example, if your points average is low, you might want to focus on improving your shooting accuracy or developing new offensive strategies. Additionally, understanding your team's point margin can help you and your coaches refine strategies and optimize both offensive and defensive plays.
