Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is a statistic created by John Hollinger to measure a basketball player’s per-minute performance. It is one of the most widely used advanced metrics in the NBA and is especially useful for comparing players of different positions, since it adjusts for playing time. PER is calculated using a complicated formula that takes into account a variety of factors, including points scored, assists, rebounds, blocked shots, steals, and turnovers.
Advantages of PER
PER is a useful tool for evaluating a player’s overall performance, as it takes into account both offensive and defensive contributions. Since it is calculated on a per-minute basis, it can be used to compare players of different positions, who may not have the same amount of playing time. For example, a point guard who logs 40 minutes a game might be compared to a power forward who logs 20 minutes a game, and PER can be used to accurately assess their relative contributions.
In addition, PER is very easy to calculate, and can be used as a quick and dirty way of assessing a player’s performance. It also has a wide range of applications, from fantasy basketball to statistical analysis.
Limitations of PER
PER is not a perfect metric, and there are some important limitations to consider. First, it does not take into account the quality of a player’s opponents, which can be an important factor in evaluating a player’s performance. Second, it does not take into account a player’s impact on team chemistry or their ability to lead a team. Finally, it does not take into account intangibles such as hustle and effort.
Conclusion
Overall, PER is a useful tool for evaluating a basketball player’s performance, but it is not without its limitations. It is a helpful metric for comparing players of different positions, and it is easy to calculate. However, it does not take into account a player’s impact on team chemistry or the quality of their opponents, and it does not take into account intangibles such as hustle and effort. As such, it should not be used as the sole metric for evaluating a player’s performance, but rather as one of many metrics that should be considered.