Basketball Statistics Blog

Friday Press Clippings:
The Use of In-Depth Statistical Analysis in Basketball

From The Biz of Basketball By Nick Kappel
Download source here: ' The Use of In-Depth Statistical Analysis in Basketball '

"... While this sort of in-depth statistical analysis makes sense for a slow-paced game such as baseball, a faster-paced game like basketball would be much more difficult to keep up with.

Not only that, but baseball keeps track of situational statistics, such as a player's batting average with runners in scoring position, batting average with two outs, or batting average after an 0-2 count.

If you dig a little deeper, you will discover statistics such as Value Over Replacement Player (VORP). This stat reveals how much a player contributes to his team in comparison to a 'fictitious replacement player' ..."

"... In-depth statistics such as VORP aren't as commonly known in the game of basketball.

Fans may know game stats of their favorite player, such as how many points or rebounds he averages per game, or how well he shoots from the foul line. But nobody is keeping track of how much Kobe Bryant contributes to his team in comparison to a 'replacement player'. ..."

"... What's the most efficient shot to take besides a lay-up?
Easy, says Zarren: a three-pointer from the corner.

What's one of the most misused, misinterpreted statistics?
'Turnovers are way more expensive that people think,' Zarren says.

'That's because most teams focus on the points a defense scores from the turnover but don't correctly value the offense's opportunity cost' that is, the points it might have scored had the turnover not occurred. ..."

"... Player points per minute, team points per possession, rebound percentage.
These are examples of stats that Hinkie uses to analyze a potential trade or draft choice. ..."

"... floor-time stats (individual player plus/minus; how a team fares with a certain player on the floor), 5-man unit stats (most-used five-man combos and how they fare together), player pairs (stats looking at team performance with each two-man pair on the court) and many, many more that frankly are too difficult to explain.

Despite the growing use of statistical analysis in basketball, both Ainge and Hinkie acknowledged the fact that other variables are considered when making personnel or strategic decisions..."

Read more articles in The Biz of Basketball.

To read Today's 'Press Clippings' in Spanish, click this week above on the 'Español' tab or afterwards click here: ' Metodología para Selección de Talentos en el Deporte del Baloncesto ' por el Prof. Carlos Silvio Rodríguez Hernández .

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