How NBA basketball is evolving before our eyes

Basketball is evolving before our eyes.

More skilled players and changes in the rules that prioritize freedom of movement has gradually but significantly changed the game. This is illustrated by the frequency of various Play Types of NBA teams.

Play Types

Since 2005 Synergy Sport Tech has been measuring Play Types.

They track Play Types and displayed them as percentage of their frequency.  Here is a comparison of the 2005 Play Types as compared to 2022.

Looking closer, the major difference in the two columns is Post Ups decreased by 7.6% and Isolations decreased by 6.6%, -14.2% in total.  Post Ups and Isolations slow down the game as only 2-4 players out of the 10 on the court are involved in the play.  

The -14.2% was replaced with greater shooting (Spot up +2.3%), an increase in transition points (Transition +2.6%), and more team motion (P/R Handler +6.9%, Hand offs +3.5%) for a total of +15.3%.

These stats on Play Types give increased understanding of how the game is evolving.  

Until next time

Damon A. Burris