Introducing The THOMPSON Metric
Analyzing Individual NBA Data Can Often Be Overwhelming, But I Have Developed A Metric That Simplifies The Process.
(Thank You- USA Today Sports)
Basketball analytics is all about using numbers to tell stories about different aspects of the game. However, it can be overwhelming to think about all the data involved. In my first edition, I promised to simplify analytics and introduce you to more manageable metrics. Today, I'll share a new metric that I created that consider to be a new way to look at a player’s defensive performance.
In previous articles, I have discussed metrics like effective field goal percentage, points per possession, and points per shot. While these are important, they don't provide a complete picture of a player's abilities. To fully evaluate a player's defense, we must also consider the rate of their opposition scoring on them and fouling frequency, as well as their ability to block shots, create turnovers, and get steals.
Rather than looking at multiple metrics, I've created one stat that incorporates all of these factors. This allows us to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a player's overall performance in the game.
(No this is not official the ranking list, but just some of the data that was used in the creation)
To qualify for the league leader list, you would have had to play at least 500 possessions for a team. Now players who were traded or signed with another team stats were not combined, so players like Mikal Bridges who played 1070 possessions, would only have his Brooklyn numbers count towards the leaderboard. As a member of the Nets, Bridges played 718 possessions.
Introducing the 2022-2023 THOMPSON Defensive Leaders.
Steven Adams- Memphis Grizzlies- 53.34
Anthony Davis- Los Angeles Lakers- 57.38
Draymond Green- Golden State Warriors- 57.60
Ja Morant- Memphis Grizzlies- 58.20
Herbert Jones- New Orleans Pelicans- 58.36
Jevon Carter- Chicago Bulls- 58.40
Tobias Harris- Philadelphia 76ers- 58.89
Kristaps Porzingis- Washington Wizards- 59.05
Luke Kornet- Boston Celtics- 59.14
Dennis Smith Jr- Brooklyn Nets - 59.20
Adams proved to be an outstanding defender throughout the Grizzlies' season, despite only playing in 46 games. He displayed elite defensive skills, with a low 36.3% shooting percentage allowed by opposing players when he guarded them, and a mere 36.6% scoring rate. Moreover, he ranked among the top third of the league in block, steal, and forced turnover percentages.
Among his Grizzlies teammates, Morant stood out as the highest-ranking guard, alongside two point guards who recently signed with new teams - Carter and Smith Jr. On the wing, the Pelicans' Herbert Jones and the Sixers' Tobias Harris were the only two players to make it to the top 10 on this list.
In the next few weeks, I will publish more lists and articles regarding position rankings, players, and teams based on this metric, all available on Substack. You can get instant alerts on my latest articles by subscribing (For free) at the link below.