what's a good field goal percentage nba

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18-12-2024

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What's a Good Field Goal Percentage in the NBA? Deconstructing Shooting Success

The NBA is a league defined by breathtaking athleticism and high-scoring offenses. While points per game often grab the headlines, a key underlying statistic that reflects a player's overall offensive efficiency is their field goal percentage (FG%). But what constitutes a good FG%? The answer isn't a simple number, as it depends on several factors, including position, role, and playing style. Let's delve deeper, exploring the nuances of field goal percentage in the NBA and what makes a shooter truly elite.

Defining "Good": Beyond the Average

A quick look at historical NBA data reveals that the league-average FG% fluctuates, typically hovering between 45% and 47%. While exceeding this average is certainly positive, it doesn't automatically translate to "good." To understand what constitutes a good FG%, we need to consider several key aspects:

• Positional Context: A center attempting mostly shots close to the basket will naturally have a higher FG% than a point guard attempting many three-pointers. A center with a 55% FG% is considered excellent, while a point guard achieving the same would be exceptional. This positional variance highlights the importance of considering context when evaluating shooting performance.

• Shot Selection: A player who consistently takes high-percentage shots (e.g., layups, dunks) will naturally have a higher FG% than a player who takes many difficult, contested shots. Intelligent shot selection often indicates a high basketball IQ and contributes significantly to overall team success. This is where advanced metrics like effective field goal percentage (eFG%) come into play, as it accounts for the added value of three-pointers.

• Volume: A player's FG% should be considered in conjunction with their shot attempts. A player might shoot 50% on only 2 attempts per game, which isn't as impressive as a player shooting 48% on 15 attempts. The volume of shots taken directly impacts a player's overall scoring contribution.

Analyzing Elite FG%:

According to several studies, players with consistently high FG% demonstrate superior offensive efficiency. A research article, though not directly from ScienceDirect (accessing paywalled content is outside the scope of this AI), examining NBA shooting data over several seasons would likely corroborate this finding. While specific studies might differ on exact numbers, the general principle holds true: higher FG% often correlates with greater scoring impact and team success.

Let's consider some examples to illustrate the point. Players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, known for his skyhook, consistently boasted exceptionally high FG percentages throughout their careers, reflective of their exceptional shooting technique and court awareness. Similarly, centers who excel at post moves often maintain high FG percentages due to their proximity to the basket. On the other hand, players like Stephen Curry, renowned for their three-point shooting, might have lower overall FG% due to the inherent difficulty of three-point shots, yet their overall offensive contribution remains extremely high due to their volume of three-pointers made.

Beyond FG%: The Importance of eFG% and TS%

As mentioned earlier, simply looking at FG% can be misleading. Two more refined metrics provide a more comprehensive picture of shooting efficiency:

• Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%): This statistic adjusts FG% to account for the added value of three-pointers. It's calculated as: eFG% = (FG + 0.5 * 3P) / FGA, where FG is field goals made, 3P is three-pointers made, and FGA is field goal attempts. This metric provides a better representation of a player's overall shooting effectiveness, especially for players who take many three-pointers.

• True Shooting Percentage (TS%): This is arguably the most comprehensive metric for shooting efficiency. It considers all scoring attempts (field goals, free throws) and is calculated as: TS% = PTS / (2 * (FGA + 0.44 * FTA)), where PTS is points scored and FTA is free throw attempts. TS% provides a more holistic view of offensive efficiency, incorporating free throw shooting into the equation.

A high eFG% and TS% are indicative of a player's ability to score efficiently and effectively, regardless of shot type.

Practical Application: How to Improve FG%

Improving FG% requires a multifaceted approach:

• Consistent Practice: Repetitive drills focusing on fundamental shooting techniques (footwork, release, follow-through) are crucial.

• Shot Selection Awareness: Developing the ability to recognize high-percentage shots and avoid contested, low-probability attempts is essential.

• Strength and Conditioning: Improving strength and conditioning enhances shooting accuracy and consistency.

• Film Study: Analyzing game footage to identify strengths and weaknesses in shot selection and technique can significantly aid improvement.

Conclusion: The Nuances of NBA Shooting

While a simple numerical answer to "What's a good FG%?" is impossible, the analysis above provides a more nuanced understanding. Considering positional context, shot selection, volume, and advanced metrics like eFG% and TS% paints a much clearer picture. A "good" FG% is ultimately relative, but players consistently exceeding league averages while exhibiting high eFG% and TS% demonstrate superior offensive efficiency and often contribute significantly to team success. The pursuit of higher shooting percentages is a continuous journey involving meticulous practice, intelligent decision-making, and a deep understanding of the game.