Stats Insight of the Day: The NBA Inside and Out

Data through January 6, 2013

Top NBA Dunkers:

It’s no surprise that the players with great size, athleticism, and who make a home in the paint on offense lead the NBA in dunks this season.  While JaVale McGee, Tyson Chandler, and DeAndre Jordan rack up most of their field goals from a close proximity, scorers Blake Griffin and Dwight Howard pick up the majority of their field goals with other shots.

Top NBA Missed Dunks

Believe it or not, even a jam is not a slam dunk! Whether it’s a defender in between the basket or perhaps a little too much showboating, the following players have failed to convert NBA’s most exciting play too often.  Rudy Gay has missed on 24% of his dunks, while the best percentage belongs to Sixers power forward Thaddeus Young, who has not missed a dunk on 39 attempts.

Top 15+ Feet Field Goals Made

Typically the closer to the basket a player shoots from, the percentage of the shot going in increases.  However, the ability to nail outside shots has a big impact on an opposing defense, forcing its defenders to open up driving lanes.  The Warriors live by the jumper with Stephan Curry and Klay Thompson cracking the top five on 15-plus foot field goals made, while scorers Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony pick up more than 40% of their field goals from the perimeter.

Best FG% on 15+ Feet Field Goals

Shooting a bunch of outside jumpers does not necessarily translate into success.  In fact, more than 60% of Kobe Bryant’s jumpers have failed to go in this season.  On the other hand, there have been sharpshooters hitting their shots at a much better percentage from outside.  Tony Parker, arguably an MVP candidate, has transformed himself from a player limited to drives to the best outside shooter in the NBA this season.  The veteran Kevin Garnett has mastered the open jumper, often on kick-outs from Rajon Rhondo.  Finally, Carmelo Anthony has transformed himself from a volume shooter into one of the most accurate in the NBA.