Basketball Statistics Blog

Friday Press Clippings:
Advanced Statistics: Game Changer?

From Stacheketball
By Patrick Lo
Download source here: ' Advanced Statistics: Game Changer? ' by Patrick Lo

"... What is the point of statistics, or for that matter, numbers? I think we can agree that numbers represent the relative value, or worth, of the subject in question. In effect, the more numbers, or statistics, that we have to measure value, the closer the perceived value gets to the actual value. Here the perceived value is the value based on all the information available as a whole whereas the actual value is the intrinsic, arguably unquantifiable, value. ..."

"... Much of the analysis surrounding AS focuses on how owners and coaches use, or will use, them to make critical decisions regarding lineups, matchups and potential trades. AS have even permeated so far as to influence game-time decisions through their employed stat heads at hand on the bench.

This convenience has proven invaluable to GMs like Cuban and Morey who consider their stat heads part of the coaching staff. ..."

"... We all have this unfortunate, but undeniable side that both yearns for and thrives off instant gratification.

For this exact reason I envision AS drastically affecting the way players not only play, but train for, the game. Dwight Howard serves as a fitting example as someone who would benefit greatly. ..."

"... As the article points out, a majority of Howard’s blocked shots end up out of bounds. As a result, the opposing team essentially gets another opportunity to score, albeit with less time. Another problem that arises from his block-happy ways is his tendency to basically hand free points to the opponent via goaltends.

Howard’s height coupled with his vertical leap allows to block shots most NBA players wouldn’t even attempt and yet at the same time he’ll swat shots he has no business touching. With AS in place Howard will see that he doesn’t need to block shots to be a defensive presence. ..."

Read more articles in Stacheketball.

To read today's 'Press Clippings' in Spanish, click this week above on the 'Español' tab or afterwards click here: ' El surf y el horror de las estadísticas ' by Paul Shirley.

Friday Video Clippings:
The Principal and the Lazy Plagiarist ...!

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