Sports have seen data analysis become a core force for change, with its influence apparent in the ways that teams train, develop players, and scout. This trend is especially pronounced in basketball, where teams are using advanced metrics to gain an advantage. Player effectiveness and offensive and defensive strategies can all benefit from these analytical methods, allowing coaches to reach decisions based on data that goes beyond traditional statistics, such as points per game or rebounds. This approach to analysis has the potential to change basketball completely, not just in areas relating to the sport played but also in everything from how workout regimens are designed to team dynamics. In this article, we explore how teams are using data to reshape basketball.
The Evolution of Basketball Strategy Through Data Analytics
Traditional basketball decision-making generally involved close observation of players along with coach intuition. But in the early 2000s, analytics made a big splash in the basketball world, led by pioneers like Daryl Morey in partnership with the Houston Rockets. Efficiency and probability-based decision-making began gaining momentum thanks to this shift to data analytics. Key benchmarks include the widespread use of the player efficiency rating (PER) and the true shooting percentage (TS%). This data-centric approach has redrawn lines in strategy: putting three-point shots and high-efficiency plays front and center.
The Toronto Raptors’ Analytics-Driven Success
As sports betting has become more popular in Canada, Toronto Raptors fans have paid close attention to their team’s performance. Whether reviewing the odds on a website like Betano or using one of the many sports apps available to look at statistics on their favorite players, many hope to use the information to their advantage. What they may not know is that the Raptors are one of the most innovative NBA teams when it comes to the role of data analytics in strategic decisions.
The team has been at the forefront of using data analytics to track player performance and develop strategies for facing opponents on the court. Throughout the years, analytics helped the Raptors improve their shot selection, defensive formations, and in-game tactics. Data was one of the primary reasons behind winning the NBA Championship in 2019. While they were eliminated from the playoffs this year, it’s almost certain that the data analytics team will be crunching numbers to see how they can get back on the winning track.
Data-Driven Decisions in Player Performance and Team Dynamics
Teams use massive datasets to interpret player potential, monitor health, and help players reach their maximum potential. This data includes advanced metrics like Usage Rate and Win Shares, which measure a player’s effect on the game beyond traditional statistics like points or assists. Analytics also affects the team strategy, including how and when to deploy a given lineup and which defensive schemes to opt for based on the opponent they’re facing. Examples of success in this field include how the Golden State Warriors used spatial tracking information to improve shooting percentages, or the 2019 NBA Finals where the Raptors used analytics to gain the upper hand on their opponents. If one had looked at the NBA preseason power rankings just eight years earlier, it would be hard to believe the Raptors would have achieved such a feat.
The Analytics Approach to Game-Day Tactics
Analytics is now integrated into the game-day strategies and has changed how teams approach the game. Teams use this data to make real-time decisions about substitutions, defensive adjustments, and even shooter placement. For example, analytics has brought about the ‘two for one’ shooting strategy that is now a common feature in the last seconds of a quarter. Teams also use information gathered from data analytics to shape the pace of play. One example is how teams like the Milwaukee Bucks have used this strategy to maximize score opportunities while minimizing opponent possessions.Â
