Advanced Metrics and Usage
One of the most significant statistics used to evaluate NBA players is PER, or Player Efficiency Rating. In the NBA, efficiency is incredibly important, and the players with the best PER are typically the best in the league. This season, the top five players in PER are Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and James Harden (it isn’t a coincidence that all five of those players have a legitimate claim to the MVP award).
Porzingis PER has increased from 17.7 to 19.4, which has put him in the Top 50 in the NBA. His offensive rating has increased, from 103.9 to 106.3, and his defensive rating has gone from 104.1 to 107.4. Additionally, his point output compared to the team has increased: KP is scoring 25.7% of the entire Knicks rosters’ 2 point field goals, and 32.1% of their three point field goals.
Perhaps the most impressive statistic is that his usage has stayed the exact same. While KP has been shooting more, he still accounts for 24.5% of the Knicks offense, the same clip as last year. Essentially, he is doing more this year with the same amount of usage last year, which is impressive considering the Knicks brought in guys like Derrick Rose, Courtney Lee, and Brandon Jennings this offseason, players who inevitably are going to get lots of touches and shots each game.
