To understand basketball nowadays, it seems everyone needs to find the balance between watching the games and understanding advanced analytics that tries to quantify the impact players are having on the game. However, it is still widely debated what is the better way to analyze modern NBA players.
While the major statistical measure remains averages of points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals, there have been many advanced stats over the years to help us better understand the statistical impact of players. Four of the most respected advanced metrics are EPM, LEBRON, RAPTOR, and RPM.
Reddit user u/nowhathappenedwas made a statistical compilation of all these major statistics and came to the conclusion that the same 5 players sit at the top of all four lists, albeit in different orders. But the consistency of these four to have closed up all advanced stat metrics has to count for something.
Other MVP candidates like Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, and Devin Booker do not rank as high across the stats as these five players do. For players like Tatum, his availability and heavy minutes-load for the Boston Celtics have had an impact on these numbers being as good as they are. However, his team is also one of the best teams in the NBA right now with major credit to him.
These numbers also do reflect that Nikola Jokic should be a runaway MVP, but Jokic has been a star in the eyes of advanced stat metrics for years.
These metrics aren’t the best judge of players when taken in isolation, but basis their play on the court and the results they have brought for their teams, this is certainly a great way to look at some of the best players this season.
