Frequently Asked Questions
What is True Shooting Percentage (TS%)?
TS% measures scoring efficiency accounting for field goals, three-pointers, and free throws. Formula: TS% = Points / (2 * (FGA + 0.44 * FTA)). League average is roughly 57%. Elite scorers above 62% are exceptionally efficient.
Why are offensive rebounds more valuable than defensive rebounds?
Offensive rebounds create extra possessions for the rebounding team. Since an average NBA possession is worth about 1.12 points, each offensive rebound adds roughly that much expected value. Defensive rebounds don't create extra possessions -- they just secure what the team was already likely to get.
What is a hockey assist?
A hockey assist (borrowed from hockey terminology) is the pass that sets up the pass that leads to a score. Player A passes to Player B, who passes to Player C for a basket. Player A gets the hockey assist. These are tracked by some advanced stats providers but don't appear in box scores.
How much of defense do steals and blocks actually capture?
Research suggests SPG and BPG capture roughly 10-15% of a player's total defensive impact. The remaining 85-90% includes shot contesting, positioning, communication, help defense, screen navigation, and opponent shot selection influence -- none of which appear in traditional box scores.
What is the best single stat to evaluate a player?
There is no perfect single stat. Box Plus-Minus (BPM), Win Shares per 48 (WS/48), and RAPTOR are among the best comprehensive metrics. Each has limitations, but they combine counting stats, efficiency, and team context better than any traditional stat. Use multiple metrics rather than relying on one.