Rubber Band, Man: How a Hidden Factor Makes NBA Stats Misleading

Part 2 of my breakdown of the rubber band effect and how it works in the NBA

Back in 2017, Orlando’s C.J. Watson and Toronto’s Kyle Lowry stretched the meaning of the rubber band effect. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

This column by Jeremias Engelmann — creator of RPM (Real Plus-Minus) and former analyst for the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns — is part of our series on making NBA analytics easy.

Last week I wrote about the rubber band effect and its profound influence on NBA games.

Today, let’s dive deeper into specific ways the rubber band effect can impact — and warp — NBA team and player stats.