Every season, I find myself eagerly tracking player performance scores in the NBA. I can't help but marvel at how some of these athletes consistently put up incredible numbers. For instance, LeBron James, who has been a dominant force in the league for nearly two decades, still maintains a player efficiency rating (PER) of over 25, even at the age of 36. It's not just about his points per game; it's his all-around contributions like rebounds, assists, and even his intangibles that drive his value up exponentially.
Take the 2021-2022 season as another example. During this time, Stephen Curry broke the all-time record for three-pointers made, surpassing Ray Allen's 2,973 with Curry's 3,000th three-pointer. The precision and ability to shoot from such long ranges make him a unique talent in the league. His true shooting percentage (TS%) during the season was above 62%, a figure that takes into account the efficiency of field goals, three-pointers, and free throws.
Now, if we're talking about mind-blowing statistics, we can’t overlook Giannis Antetokounmpo. The "Greek Freak" not only set personal bests but also led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA Championship in 2021. That season, he averaged 29.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His usage rate, which measures how much a team trusts a player to handle the ball, hit a career-high 33.0%. That's a substantial workload and shows just how vital he is to his team.
Let's not forget about Luka Dončić, who has rapidly become one of the league's most dynamic players. In just his third NBA season, he averaged 28.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. With a player efficiency rating of 24.3, he's operating at a level that is usually reserved for seasoned veterans. His ability to impact games at such a young age indicates a long and prosperous career ahead of him.
Then there's the story of Nikola Jokić, the Serbian sensation who was named the NBA MVP for the 2020-2021 season. Jokić averaged a jaw-dropping 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. His assist percentage stood at 38.8%, an astonishing figure for a center. This makes him a pivotal part of the Denver Nuggets' success, orchestrating the offense from the center position like few have before.
James Harden, on the other hand, has forged a reputation as an offensive juggernaut. His unique playing style, characterized by a blend of scoring and playmaking, led to a career-high usage rate of 36.3% during the 2018-2019 season with the Houston Rockets. That year, he averaged 36.1 points per game, backed by an effective field goal percentage (eFG%) of 54.2%. Such figures highlight the trust placed in him to deliver in clutch moments.
Of course, no discussion about player performance scores in the NBA would be complete without mentioning Kevin Durant. Despite suffering from significant injuries, Durant's comeback with the Brooklyn Nets has been nothing short of spectacular. During the 2020-2021 season, he maintained a player efficiency rating of 25.7 and averaged 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His ability to bounce back and perform at such a high level defies common limitations.
Then there's the emergence of young stars like Zion Williamson. Despite being relatively new to the league, Williamson posted significant numbers, averaging 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season. His PER was an astronomical 27.1, underscoring the potential he holds as a future superstar.
Jayson Tatum is another young player who has caught my attention. Playing for the Boston Celtics, Tatum averaged 26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in the 2020-2021 season. His scoring ability, coupled with an effective field goal percentage of 53.1%, marks him as a critical asset to his team.
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Devin Booker has also shown tremendous growth over the past seasons. Leading the Phoenix Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021, Booker averaged 25.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. His contribution was highlighted by his 58.5% true shooting percentage, showcasing his efficiency and adaptability in high-stakes scenarios.
On the defensive side, Rudy Gobert stands out with his dominant presence in the paint. During the 2020-2021 season, Gobert averaged 13.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game, earning him the Defensive Player of the Year award. His defensive rating, a metric that evaluates how many points a player allows per 100 possessions, was an outstanding 100.6, one of the best in the league.
Kawhi Leonard continues to be one of the most versatile two-way players in the NBA. In the 2020-2021 season, he posted averages of 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. With a PER of 26.0 and a defensive win share (DWS) of 3.4, Leonard's impact on both ends of the floor is crystal clear.
It's also interesting to observe the evolving landscapes of player performance metrics. Advanced analytics have introduced new dimensions to understanding the game, such as the Box Plus/Minus (BPM) and Win Shares (WS). For instance, Damian Lillard’s BPM of 7.5 in the 2020-2021 season indicates his immense value to the Portland Trail Blazers, as he averaged 28.8 points and 7.5 assists per game. This new wave of data analytics offers a more nuanced perspective on a player's contribution beyond traditional statistics.
Joel Embiid continues to elevate his game year after year. During the 2020-2021 season, he averaged 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His player efficiency rating was an astounding 30.3, one of the highest in league history. His dominance on both ends of the court makes him an enduring figure in modern basketball.
Talking about historical data, Michael Jordan remains a benchmark. In his legendary 1990-1991 season, Jordan posted a PER of 31.7, averaging 31.5 points per game. His contribution on the court set the gold standard for player performance and remains a target for aspiring players.