The +/- statistic in basketball has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is used to measure a player’s contribution to their team’s success or failure, and is often seen as a more accurate measure of performance than traditional stats such as points and assists. But is it a good thing? Let’s take a look.
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What is +/- in Basketball?
The +/- statistic is a way of measuring a player’s contribution to their team’s success or failure. It is calculated by subtracting the number of points that the opposition scored while the player was on the floor from the number of points that the player’s team scored while the player was on the floor. If the player’s team outscored the opposition while the player was on the court, then the player is said to have a “plus” rating, and if the opposition outscored the player’s team then the player has a “minus” rating.
The Pros of +/- in Basketball
1. It is a more accurate measure of a player’s performance.
Traditional stats such as points and assists only tell part of the story when it comes to a player’s performance. The plus/minus statistic allows us to look at the overall impact that a player has on the team. For example, a player may have scored a lot of points, but if they also allowed the opposition to score a lot of points while they were on the court, then their +/- rating may actually be in the negatives. This gives us a better understanding of the player’s overall impact on the game.
2. It can be used to identify areas of improvement.
Plus/minus statistic can be used to identify areas of a player’s game that need improvement. For example, if a player has a negative rating when playing a certain position, then it may be an indication that the player needs to work on their defense. This can be a useful tool for coaches and players alike.
3. It can be used to compare players.
Plus/minus statistic can also be used to compare players. For example, two players may have similar points and assists totals, but a closer look at their plus/minus ratings may reveal that one of them had a more positive impact on the team. This can be a useful tool for coaches and scouts when making decisions about which players to put on the court.
The Cons of +/- in Basketball
1. It is a subjective measure.
The plus/minus statistic is a subjective measure, as it relies on other players’ performances to determine a player’s rating. For example, if a team is missing a star player, then the other players on the court may have to take on a larger role and may have a lower plus/minus rating as a result. This means that a player’s rating can be affected by factors that are out of their control.
2. It is not always an accurate measure.
The plus/minus statistic is not always an accurate measure of a player’s performance. For example, if a player has a negative rating but their team still manages to win the game, then the plus/minus statistic does not accurately reflect their performance. Similarly, if a player has a positive rating but their team loses the game, then their performance may not have been as good as the statistic suggests.
3. It can be misleading.
The plus/minus statistic can also be misleading. For example, if a player is on the court for a long period of time, then their plus/minus rating may not accurately reflect their performance, as they may have had a positive impact on the game at certain points, but the statistic does not take this into account. Similarly, if a player is on the court for a short period of time, then their rating may not accurately reflect their performance, as the statistic does not take into account the impact that the player had during the brief period that they were on the court.
Conclusion
The plus/minus statistic can be a useful tool for coaches and scouts when making decisions about which players to put on the court. It is a more accurate measure of a player’s performance than traditional stats such as points and assists, and can be used to identify areas of improvement. However, it is also a subjective measure and can be misleading, so it should not be used as the sole measure of a player’s performance.