In the NBA, the performance and impact of players is not only reflected in basic statistics such as points and rebounds, but also through deeper data analysis to evaluate their contribution to the team. Recently, Steve Ilardi, a data expert who has worked for several NBA teams and ESPN, questioned the performance of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
Steve Ilardi's skepticism is largely based on data analysis of Doncic over his first five seasons. He noted that, according to advanced statistics, there is little significant difference between his team's performance when Doncic is on and off the court. The discovery appears to challenge Doncic's status as the team's core and key player.
However, this season's situation seems to have further exacerbated the controversy. According to Ilardi, the Mavericks' net score per 100 possessions actually dropped by 1.2 points per 100 possessions when Doncic came on, a worrying trend.
To delve deeper into this question, the author interviewed a series of scouts, coaches, and team executives. A senior assistant coach, who asked not to be named, focused on the distribution of possession. He observed that teammates seemed "relieved" when Doncic wasn't on the floor because it gave them more opportunities to handle the ball and play. The assistant coach further explained that when Doncic wasn't on the court, teammates were able to show the confidence that "we don't have to rely on him."
These perspectives reveal the complexity behind the data. While data analysis provides valuable insights, it can also overlook certain intangible contributions of players on the field, such as leadership and performance in key moments. Doncic is a young superstar whose performance and potential remain highly anticipated. The controversy is also a reminder of the need to consider a more holistic set of factors than just data when assessing a player's value.