Introduction to NBA Defensive Rating

Defensive Rating is an essential metric in evaluating a player’s or team’s defensive performance in the NBA. It measures the number of points allowed per 100 possessions, providing a standardized figure that allows for fair comparisons across different playing styles and pace profiles. As the 2023-2024 NBA season unfolds, understanding Defensive Rating can offer deep insights into how teams are performing defensively, why certain players are standing out, and the strategies that are contributing to these outcomes.

The Components of Defensive Rating

Defensive Rating is derived from a series of complex calculations that factor in various aspects of defensive play. These components include forced turnovers, defensive rebounds, blocks, and opponent shooting percentages. Each of these elements provides a piece of the overall puzzle, helping to paint a complete picture of a player’s or team’s defensive efficiency.

For example, a high number of steals and blocks can indicate aggressive, disruptively effective defense. High defensive rebounding rates suggest successful prevention of second-chance points. Conversely, lower opponent shooting percentages highlight effective on-ball and help defense that contests shots effectively.

League Trends and Defensive Rating

An analysis of the early 2023-