PER, or Player Efficiency Rating, is a advanced basketball statistic that helps to measure a player's performance and contribution to their team's success. It's a complex formula that takes into account multiple aspects of a player's game, providing a comprehensive picture of their strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we'll delve into the world of PER, exploring its history, calculation, and importance in the world of basketball.
The concept of PER was first introduced by John Hollinger, a renowned basketball analyst and writer, in the early 2000s. Hollinger, who is now the Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Memphis Grizzlies, developed PER as a way to provide a more accurate and comprehensive measure of a player's performance. Since its introduction, PER has become a widely accepted and influential statistic in the basketball community.
The PER formula is a complex calculation that takes into account multiple statistics, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, and shooting percentages. The formula is as follows:
PER = (Pts + Rbs + Asts + Stls + Blks - TOs - (FGA - FGM) - (FTA - FTM)) / (Minutes Played / 5)
This formula is then adjusted to account for pace, or the number of possessions per game, and is expressed on a per-100 possessions basis. This allows for a more accurate comparison of players across different teams and seasons.
What Does PER Measure?
PER is a holistic measure of a player's performance, taking into account both their positive and negative contributions to their team. It measures a player's ability to score, rebound, pass, and defend, while also accounting for their mistakes, such as turnovers and missed shots. A higher PER indicates a more efficient and productive player, while a lower PER suggests a player who may be struggling in certain areas.
Interpreting PER Scores
PER scores range from 0 to over 30, with the average player scoring around 15. Here's a rough guide to interpreting PER scores:
• 0-10: Below average player, struggling to contribute to their team's success.
• 10-15: Average player, contributing to their team's success but not standing out in any particular area.
• 15-20: Above average player, making significant contributions to their team's success.
• 20-25: All-star caliber player, excelling in multiple areas and making a major impact on their team's success.
• 25-30: MVP-caliber player, dominating games and leading their team to success.
The Importance of PER in Basketball
PER has become an essential tool for basketball coaches, scouts, and analysts. It provides a more accurate and comprehensive measure of a player's performance than traditional statistics like points per game or rebounds per game. By using PER, teams can:
• Identify areas where a player needs to improve.
• Compare players across different teams and seasons.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different lineups and rotations.
• Make more informed decisions about player personnel and roster construction.
Limitations of PER
While PER is a powerful tool, it's not without its limitations. Some of the criticisms of PER include:
• It doesn't account for defensive metrics like defensive rating or opponent plus/minus.
• It doesn't fully capture the value of intangible skills like leadership and hustle.
• It can be influenced by pace and style of play, making it difficult to compare players across different teams.
PER is a powerful and influential statistic in the world of basketball. By providing a comprehensive measure of a player's performance, it helps teams and coaches make more informed decisions and identify areas for improvement. While it's not perfect, PER remains an essential tool for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the game. Whether you're a coach, scout, or simply a basketball enthusiast, understanding PER can help you appreciate the game in a whole new way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PER stand for in basketball?
PER stands for Player Efficiency Rating, a advanced metric used to evaluate a player's performance in basketball.
Who created the PER system?
The PER system was created by John Hollinger, a sports journalist and basketball analyst, who introduced it in his book "Pro Basketball Prospectus" in 2002.
What is the purpose of PER?
The purpose of PER is to provide a comprehensive and accurate way to measure a player's performance, taking into account multiple statistical categories, and to allow for comparisons between players across different teams and seasons.
How is PER calculated?
PER is calculated using a complex formula that takes into account a player's points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, turnovers, and shooting percentages, as well as their pace of play and team performance.
What is a good PER rating?
A good PER rating varies depending on the position and role of the player, but generally, a rating above 18 is considered excellent, 15-17 is good, and below 10 is poor.
How does PER account for pace of play?
PER adjusts for pace of play by taking into account the number of possessions a team has per game, allowing for a more accurate comparison of players who play on teams with different tempos.
Can PER be used to compare players from different eras?
Yes, PER can be used to compare players from different eras, as it is adjusted for the pace and scoring environment of the league at the time.
Is PER a perfect metric?
No, PER is not a perfect metric, as it has its limitations and biases, such as not fully accounting for defensive performance and relying on box score statistics.
How does PER account for defense?
PER accounts for defense through the use of defensive metrics such as blocks, steals, and defensive rebounds, but it is still limited in its ability to fully capture a player's defensive impact.
Can PER be used to evaluate team performance?
No, PER is designed to evaluate individual player performance, not team performance. Other metrics, such as team efficiency rating, are better suited for evaluating team performance.
How does PER compare to other advanced metrics?
PER is one of several advanced metrics used to evaluate player performance, including win shares, true shooting percentage, and box plus/minus. Each metric has its own strengths and weaknesses, and PER is often used in conjunction with other metrics to get a more complete picture of a player's performance.
Is PER widely used in the NBA?
Yes, PER is widely used in the NBA by teams, coaches, and analysts to evaluate player performance and make informed decisions.
Can PER be used to predict future performance?
Yes, PER can be used to predict future performance, as it has been shown to be a strong indicator of a player's potential and ability to contribute to their team's success.
How does PER account for playing time?
PER adjusts for playing time by taking into account the number of minutes a player plays per game, allowing for a more accurate comparison of players who play different amounts of minutes.
Can PER be used to evaluate players in different roles?
Yes, PER can be used to evaluate players in different roles, such as starters, bench players, and specialists, as it takes into account the specific responsibilities and expectations of each role.
How does PER account for injuries?
PER does not directly account for injuries, but it can be used to evaluate a player's performance when they are healthy and playing at their best.
Can PER be used to compare players across different positions?
Yes, PER can be used to compare players across different positions, as it takes into account the unique responsibilities and expectations of each position.
How does PER account for teammates and team context?
PER adjusts for teammates and team context by taking into account the performance of a player's teammates and the overall strength of their team.
Can PER be used to evaluate players in the playoffs?
Yes, PER can be used to evaluate players in the playoffs, as it takes into account the increased intensity and competitiveness of postseason play.
How does PER account for pace and tempo?
PER adjusts for pace and tempo by taking into account the number of possessions a team has per game, allowing for a more accurate comparison of players who play on teams with different tempos.
Can PER be used to evaluate players in international competition?
Yes, PER can be used to evaluate players in international competition, such as the Olympics and FIBA World Cup, as it takes into account the unique challenges and competition of international play.
How does PER account for coaching and system?
PER adjusts for coaching and system by taking into account the specific strategies and philosophies of a team's coaching staff, allowing for a more accurate comparison of players who play in different systems.
Can PER be used to evaluate players in college or high school?
Yes, PER can be used to evaluate players in college or high school, as it takes into account the unique challenges and competition of each level of play.
