Analyzing the Role of True Shooting Percentage in Basketball

26 December 2025

Basketball stats can sometimes feel overwhelming, right? We hear about field goal percentage, free throw percentage, and three-point percentage all the time. But have you ever wondered if there’s a better way to measure a player’s efficiency? That’s where True Shooting Percentage (TS%) comes in.

In this article, we’ll break down what TS% is, why it matters, and how it’s changing the way we evaluate players. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a solid understanding of why this stat is one of the most important efficiency metrics in basketball today.

What Is True Shooting Percentage?

True Shooting Percentage is a stat that measures a player's overall scoring efficiency by taking into account field goals, three-point shots, and free throws. Unlike regular field goal percentage, which only considers two-point and three-point shots, TS% provides a more complete picture by factoring in the value of free throws and three-pointers.

True Shooting Percentage Formula

The formula for TS% is:

\[
TS\% = \frac{Points}{2 imes (Field Goal Attempts + 0.44 imes Free Throw Attempts)}
\]

Let’s break this down in simpler terms. The numerator is the total points a player scores, while the denominator accounts for all shot attempts, including free throws (which are weighted at 0.44 to reflect their impact on scoring efficiency).

This formula helps us understand just how efficient a player is with their scoring opportunities.

Why True Shooting Percentage Matters

If you've ever argued about who the best shooter in the NBA is, you probably referenced field goal percentage (FG%) or three-point percentage (3P%). But here’s the problem:

- FG% doesn't differentiate between two-pointers and three-pointers.
- 3P% only tells us how good someone is from beyond the arc.
- Free throw shooting is ignored in both stats.

True Shooting Percentage eliminates these issues. It adjusts for shot selection and scoring efficiency, giving us a far better way to compare players across different play styles.

Consider two players:

- Player A shoots 50% from the field but takes mostly two-pointers.
- Player B shoots 45% from the field but attempts a lot of three-pointers and hits free throws at a high rate.

Player B might have a lower field goal percentage but could still be a more efficient scorer because three-pointers and free throws contribute more to his points. TS% captures this nuance and ultimately tells us who’s making the most out of their scoring chances.

Comparing True Shooting Percentage to Other Metrics

To really appreciate TS%, let’s compare it to other commonly used statistics:

Field Goal Percentage (FG%) vs. TS%

FG% is the classic go-to stat for shooting efficiency, but it’s incomplete. It doesn’t tell us how effective a player is beyond just raw shooting percentages.

For example:

- A player making 8 out of 16 two-pointers (50%) has the same FG% as someone making 6 out of 16 three-pointers (37.5%).
- But the second player scored 18 points, while the first player only scored 16 points.

TS% factors in the extra value of three-pointers, making it a better measure of efficiency.

Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) vs. TS%

eFG% is another improvement over FG% because it adjusts for the fact that three-pointers are worth more than two-pointers:

\[
eFG\% = \frac{FG + (0.5 imes 3P)}{FGA}
\]

While eFG% is great, it still ignores free throws, a huge part of scoring. True Shooting Percentage takes the efficiency conversation one step further by including free throws, making it the most complete metric for scoring efficiency.

How TS% Impacts Player Evaluations

TS% gives us a better way to analyze players, whether we’re looking at MVP candidates, rising stars, or role players.

Superstars and TS%

The best scorers in basketball aren’t just the ones who put up the most points—they’re the ones who score efficiently.

For example:

- Stephen Curry is considered one of the greatest shooters ever. His TS% is consistently high because he shoots a ridiculous percentage from three-point range while also being an elite free-throw shooter.
- Kevin Durant also thrives in TS% rankings. Even though he takes mid-range shots, he hits them at an elite rate, and he rarely misses free throws.

Both players demonstrate that scoring is about quality, not just quantity.

Role Players and TS%

TS% isn’t just useful for evaluating stars. It also helps identify efficient role players who maximize their opportunities. Players like:

- Mikal Bridges
- Malcolm Brogdon
- Derrick White

These guys may not take a huge number of shots, but when they do, they’re incredibly efficient. Coaches and analysts love using TS% to find these hidden gems who contribute without wasting possessions.

Limitations of True Shooting Percentage

No stat is perfect, and TS% does have its flaws. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

TS% Doesn’t Account for Shot Creation

A high TS% doesn’t necessarily mean a player is an elite scorer. Some players have high TS% because they only take easy shots, often assisted by teammates.

For example:

- DeAndre Jordan had an extremely high TS% during his prime, but that’s because most of his points came from dunks and putbacks.
- Meanwhile, someone like Luka Dončić might have a lower TS% but carries a huge offensive burden, creating his own shots.

Volume Matters

A player with a 70% TS% but only taking 5 shots per game isn’t nearly as valuable as someone with a 60% TS% taking 20 shots per game. Efficiency is great, but it has to come with a high enough volume to truly impact a game.

Defensive Impact Is Ignored

TS% is purely an offensive stat. It does nothing to measure how well a player defends, rebounds, or passes. That’s why it should always be used alongside other stats (like Player Efficiency Rating and Box Plus-Minus) to get a full picture.

TS% in the Modern NBA

With advanced analytics taking over the NBA, TS% has become one of the main stats teams use when evaluating players.

Three-Point Revolution and TS%

The NBA has shifted towards a three-point-heavy approach. Because three-pointers are worth more than two-pointers, players who shoot them efficiently tend to have higher TS% scores.

- This is why players like Curry, Lillard, and Harden have such high TS% numbers.
- Meanwhile, traditional mid-range-heavy scorers tend to have lower TS% (unless they are highly efficient from that range).

Analytics and Front Office Decisions

NBA front offices now rely on TS% to make key decisions. Whether it’s signing a free agent or building a championship team, executives want efficient scorers. Players who shoot poorly and don’t contribute in other areas are less valuable in today’s game.

Final Thoughts

True Shooting Percentage is one of the best stats we have for evaluating scoring efficiency. It gives us a complete look at how well a player converts their scoring opportunities by accounting for field goals, three-pointers, and free throws.

While it’s not perfect—since it doesn’t account for shot creation or defensive impact—it’s still one of the best tools for determining who the most efficient scorers in basketball really are.

Next time you’re debating who the best shooter in the league is, don’t forget to check their TS%. You might be surprised by what you find!