Going deeper into NBA stats
Last offseason a lot of NBA stars were traded. Consequently, we asked ourselves to what extend acquiring stars leads to winning. We combined data from different tables and carried out statistical analysis with a dataset of 32 NBA star players, traded or signed in free agency between 2000 and 2016.
After some excellent performances of certain up-and-coming European rising stars, such as Markkanen, Doncic and Porzingis, we analyzed their EuroBasket numbers and compared them to the best European NBA players’ stats when they were the same age.
To find the most average NBA players we analysed our advance offensive indicators (INV Rate, DOC, DOE) as well as defensive statistics (DWS, DBPM) and salaries for 2016/2017. The All-NBA Average team includes: Austin Rivers, Bojan Bogdanovic, Matt Barnes, Willie Cauley-Stein and Aron Baynes.
We believe that the general consensus is that today’s NBA basketball is faster, quicker and that the players are bigger, stronger and more athletic. To confirm or reject that, we analysed predraft measurement data for 660 players drafted between 1987 and 2016.
This time we are presenting new offensive impact indicator, Direct Offensive Contribution (DOC). The formula includes points scored, (2nd) assisted points, screen assisted points, offensive rebounds created points and free-throw assisted points.
We are presenting new “usage” indicator, Involvement Rate (INV Rate). In a way similar to Usage % and Usage Rate, yet it expands usage to other dimensions of player’s offensive game and narrows the gap between guards and power forwards/centers.
We are breaking down offensive possessions of the top 5 MVP contenders this season: Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Stephen Curry, LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. We used both traditional as well as advanced offensive statistics and presented data visually.
We are presenting the results of our first MVP data analysis. Linear regression estimates revealed that James Harden should receive a higher total number of points than Russell Westbrook.
This blog post should serve as the first cornerstone of, hopefully, an interesting and fun blog which will attract basketball enthusiasts with a thing for basketball stats. We will welcome all of your questions, comments and suggestions, and be happy to engage in interesting discussions. To go even deeper into NBA stats… together! Stay tuned!
FiveTimesFive 