How Advanced Stats Are Changing the Game in Basketball

14 March 2026

Basketball has always been a game of numbers. Points, rebounds, assists—you name it, stats have played a huge role. But over the last couple of decades, the game has changed, and a big part of that change comes from advanced stats. Coaches, players, and analysts are now using complex data to make smarter decisions, maximize efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.

So, what exactly are these advanced stats, and how are they changing the way basketball is played? Let’s break it down.

The Rise of Advanced Stats in Basketball

Gone are the days when teams relied solely on basic stats like points per game (PPG) or field goal percentage (FG%). The rise of advanced analytics has given teams a much deeper understanding of the game.

It all started in the early 2000s when basketball front offices began embracing analytics—a method of using statistical models to evaluate player performance beyond traditional stats. It wasn’t long before coaches and players followed suit, realizing that numbers could provide an edge in decision-making.

Now, nearly every NBA team employs a dedicated analytics staff, and even college and high school teams are starting to use numbers to improve their game plans.

Key Advanced Stats That Are Changing the Game

Let’s dive into some of the most important advanced metrics that are redefining basketball.

1. Player Efficiency Rating (PER)

Have you ever wondered if traditional stats truly capture a player’s impact? That’s where PER (Player Efficiency Rating) comes in. Created by John Hollinger, PER is a single number that summarizes a player’s statistical contributions per minute.

It takes into account positive contributions (like points, assists, rebounds) while subtracting negative plays (like turnovers and missed shots). The league average is set at 15, meaning if a player's PER is above 15, they’re performing better than the average player.

2. True Shooting Percentage (TS%)

Field goal percentage (FG%) can be misleading because it doesn’t account for three-pointers or free throws. That’s why True Shooting Percentage (TS%) is a better measure of a player’s scoring efficiency.

TS% factors in two-pointers, three-pointers, and free throws, giving a more accurate picture of how efficiently a player scores. A high TS% means a player isn’t just scoring a lot but doing so with great efficiency.

3. Usage Rate (USG%)

Ever watched a game and felt like one player is involved in every offensive possession? That’s what Usage Rate (USG%) measures.

USG% calculates the percentage of a team’s plays that a player is directly involved in when they are on the court. A high usage rate means a player carries a heavy offensive load, while a low usage rate suggests they play more of a complementary role.

Players like Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo often have high USG% because their teams rely on them to generate offense.

4. Offensive and Defensive Rating

Coaches are obsessed with Offensive Rating (ORTG) and Defensive Rating (DRTG) because these numbers break down efficiency on both ends of the court.

- ORTG measures how many points a player (or team) produces per 100 possessions.
- DRTG measures how many points a player (or team) allows per 100 possessions.

These stats help teams identify strengths and weaknesses. A player with a high ORTG and a low DRTG is usually a major asset on both ends of the floor.

5. Win Shares (WS)

How much does a player contribute to their team’s overall success? Win Shares (WS) attempts to quantify this.

A player’s win shares are based on how much they contribute on both offense and defense, with higher numbers indicating a greater impact on winning.

6. Box Plus-Minus (BPM) and Value Over Replacement Player (VORP)

If you want an advanced stat that tells you how effective a player is compared to an average NBA player, BPM (Box Plus-Minus) and VORP (Value Over Replacement Player) are the way to go.

- BPM estimates a player’s impact per 100 possessions, factoring in both offense and defense.
- VORP extends BPM but compares a player to a “replacement-level” player—think of it as how much better they are than an average bench player.

These stats help teams determine a player’s overall value beyond just scoring or rebounding totals.

How Advanced Stats Influence Teams and Players

Now that we’ve covered the major advanced stats, let’s talk about how they actually impact the game.

1. Smarter Shot Selection

Remember when mid-range jumpers were a staple in the NBA? Advanced analytics changed that.

Stats like Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) and Points Per Possession (PPP) proved that three-pointers and shots at the rim are far more efficient than long two-pointers.

That’s why teams like the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets started adopting a strategy focused on three-pointers, layups, and free throws—the most efficient shots in basketball.

2. Defensive Matchups and Game Planning

Defensive stats like Defensive Rating, Defensive Win Shares, and Defensive Real Plus-Minus (DRPM) help coaches understand which players are truly making an impact on defense.

For example, a player might not rack up a lot of steals or blocks, but their DRPM could show they are an elite defender based on how they impact opponents’ shooting percentages and scoring efficiency.

3. Load Management & Player Health

Advanced stats don’t just help with gameplay—they also help with player health and load management.

Teams track things like Player Tracking Data and Fatigue Metrics to ensure their stars aren’t overworked. This is one reason why load management has become a big part of the modern NBA, with teams resting players strategically to prevent injuries and optimize performance when it matters most.

4. Roster Building and Contracts

Front offices rely on advanced stats more than ever when building teams.

Instead of paying big money based on traditional stats like points per game, teams now analyze efficiency and impact metrics to determine a player’s true worth.

For example, a guy averaging 20 points per game might seem like a star, but if his efficiency and defensive metrics are poor, he might be less valuable than someone averaging only 12 points but with elite shooting efficiency and solid defense.

5. The Rise of Positionless Basketball

Positionless basketball is largely a result of analytics.

Numbers showed that teams could be more efficient by playing small-ball lineups, emphasizing versatility over traditional positions. The result?

- Centers who shoot threes (Nikola Jokić, Karl-Anthony Towns)
- Guards who crash the boards (Russell Westbrook, Josh Hart)
- Wings who act as primary playmakers (LeBron James, Luka Dončić)

Instead of sticking to the traditional point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center roles, teams now focus on skill sets rather than positions.

The Future of Advanced Stats in Basketball

Advanced analytics are only going to get better. With technology evolving, teams now use tools like:

- Player Tracking Data (GPS and motion tracking to analyze movement)
- AI and Machine Learning (predicting tendencies and optimizing strategies)
- Biometric Analysis (monitoring player fatigue and health)

As stats become even more precise, we might see even smarter decision-making, tailored player development, and a completely new way of evaluating talent.

Final Thoughts

Advanced stats have transformed basketball from a game of simple numbers to a data-driven sport where every decision is backed by analytics. From smarter shot selection to roster building, teams that embrace analytics gain a serious edge over those that don’t.

So next time you’re watching an NBA game, take a second to think beyond points and rebounds. Basketball is smarter than ever, and advanced stats are leading the charge.