2018 NBA Statistical Review (Atlantic Division)

Intro

Using basketball-reference.com I gathered the regular season totals of all players who logged at least 150 minutes (a set of 437 players) this 2017-18 season. I then examined each players' total output in the nine categories commonly used in the fantasy basketball community (3-points made, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, points, field goal %, and free throw %). I calculated the z-scores (the amount of standard deviations away from the mean the datum is) of each player's category to equalize all numbers and give a clear score of how each player performed in each category on the year.

I then took the average of each players' set of nine z-scores to give them their "9-cat average". I also took averages of each players' best eight z-scores (dropping their worst category) to give them their "8-best average". I also calculated everyone's fantasy points per game (based off of FanDuel's scoring system) to give a per-game perspective.

This exercise favors players who played more games this season as all z-scores are based off season totals. My final rankings are based off of "8-best average".

My overall rankings (and total work) can be seen here, but the highlights of the Atlantic Division follow.

Also, check out the Central and Southeast divisions by following the links.

Enjoy.

Boston Celtics

42. Al Horford

Age: 31 - Games: 72
Points: 927 (0.733) - Rebounds: 530 (1.504)
Assists: 339 (1.659) - 3P Made: 97 (0.656)
Steals: 43 (-0.002) - Blocks: 78 (1.825)
Turnovers: 132 (-0.932) - FT%: 0.783 (0.286)
FG%: 0.489 (0.456)
FanDuel PPG: 31.98
9-Cat Average: 0.687

8-Best Average: 0.890

-Horford had good season overall. He provided above-average stats in 5 categories and was solid in all the rest. At the age of 31, it may be the time in Al's career where we see declines from year to year but he is still providing a level of basketball that should be useful for a few more seasons.

43. Kyrie Irving

Age: 25 - Games: 60
Points: 1466 (1.922) - Rebounds: 227 (-0.084)
Assists: 306 (1.397) - 3P Made: 166 (1.837)
Steals: 65 (0.693) - Blocks: 17 (-0.352)
Turnovers: 140 (-1.065) - FT%: 0.889 (1.212)
FG%: 0.491 (0.484)
FanDuel PPG: 38.39
9-Cat Average: 0.671

8-Best Average: 0.889

-Kyrie missed a chunk of games this season that really set him back in the overall rankings. Checking the FanDuel PPG and Irving's elite levels in four categories, it is easy to see Uncle Drew's top 20 potential but if he continues to turn in partial seasons, he will continue to be ranked as partially elite.

51. Jayson Tatum

Age: 19 - Games: 80
Points: 1112 (1.141) - Rebounds: 402 (0.833)
Assists: 128 (-0.015) - 3P Made: 105 (0.793)
Steals: 83 (1.261) - Blocks: 58 (1.111)
Turnovers: 114 (-0.630) - FT%: 0.826 (0.662)
FG%: 0.475 (0.259)
FanDuel PPG: 26.19
9-Cat Average: 0.602

8-Best Average: 0.756

-Jayson Tatum had a very exciting 2018 season. He gaves above-average numbers in 6 categories and isn't too bad in any place. Given Tatum's age and situation, it is easy to see a lot of potential for years to come. I think Jayson could be a top 30 player as soon as next season.

Brooklyn Nets

53. Spencer Dinwiddie

Age: 24 - Games: 80
Points: 1007 (0.909) - Rebounds: 259 (0.084)
Assists: 524 (3.126) - 3P Made: 141 (1.409)
Steals: 68 (0.787) - Blocks: 23 (-0.138)
Turnovers: 128 (-0.865) - FT%: 0.813 (0.584)
FG%: 0.489 (-0.977)
FanDuel PPG: 28.11
9-Cat Average: 0.543

8-Best Average: 0.733

-Spencer Dinwiddie had a breakout season in 2018 due to his elevated stats in five categories (including an elite level of assists). Due to his age, there is reason to believe Dinwiddie will stick around for some time. It is unclear exactly how Brooklyn will proceed but Spencer should be a part of their picture.

108. Jarrett Allen

Age: 19 - Games: 72
Points: 587 (-0.017) - Rebounds: 388 (0.760)
Assists: 49 (-0.642) - 3P Made: 5 (-0.919)
Steals: 28 (-0.476) - Blocks: 88 (2.182)
Turnovers: 82 (-0.095) - FT%: 0.776 (0.225)
FG%: 0.589 (1.860)
FanDuel PPG: 19.33
9-Cat Average: 0.320

8-Best Average: 0.475

-Jarrett Allen had a very promising season for a player in his position. Although his minutes where brought along slowly, Allen provided enough rebounds and blocks on good enough percentages to be a quality rotation player. Given Jarrett's age, there is optimism that he breakout as soon as next year.

117. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson

Age: 23 - Games: 68
Points: 946 (0.775) - Rebounds: 459 (1.132)
Assists: 167 (0.294) - 3P Made: 13 (-0.782)
Steals: 65 (0.693) - Blocks: 48 (0.754)
Turnovers: 121 (-0.747) - FT%: 0.788 (0.330)
FG%: 0.472 (0.217)
FanDuel PPG: 28.90
9-Cat Average: 0.296

8-Best Average: 0.431

-Rondae Hollis-Jefferson gets it done in a variety of categories and his percentages are better than most of his teammates. RHJ had muted totals due to some missed games this year, something he will need to prove he can move away from these next few years. Otherwise, there is a lot to like here.

New York Knicks

58. Enes Kanter

Age: 25 - Games: 71
Points: 1000 (0.894) - Rebounds: 780 (2.814)
Assists: 105 (-0.198) - 3P Made: 0 (-1.004)
Steals: 36 (-0.223) - Blocks: 37 (0.362)
Turnovers: 122 (-0.764) - FT%: 0.848 (0.854)
FG%: 0.592 (1.902)
FanDuel PPG: 30.85
9-Cat Average: 0.515

8-Best Average: 0.705

-The surprise pillar of the 2018 Knicks was Enes Kanter (who only played 71 games). Kanter gets rebounds, he shoots good percents and he scores enough to be a noticeable player wherever he goes. Maybe his game isn't as versatile as others but Enes' game is reliable.

76. Kristaps Porzingis

Age: 22 - Games: 48
Points: 1088 (1.088) - Rebounds: 316 (0.383)
Assists: 57 (-0.579) - 3P Made: 90 (0.536)
Steals: 36 (-0.223) - Blocks: 115 (3.146)
Turnovers: 93 (-0.279) - FT%: 0.793 (0.374)
FG%: 0.439 (-0.246)
FanDuel PPG: 39.85
9-Cat Average: 0.467

8-Best Average: 0.597

-It was a spectacular start to the season that was unfortunately cut short for Kristaps Porzingis. Before his injury, Porzingis was looking like a MIP candidate with elite paces in a handful of categories earlier this year. If Kristaps plays a full season, he has top tier potential but he will need to prove he can next season.

142. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Age: 25 - Games: 57
Points: 996 (0.885) - Rebounds: 224 (-0.099)
Assists: 155 (0.199) - 3P Made: 130 (1.221)
Steals: 62 (0.598) - Blocks: 10 (-0.602)
Turnovers: 92 (-0.262) - FT%: 0.816 (0.574)
FG%: 0.421 (-0.499)
FanDuel PPG: 28.44
9-Cat Average: 0.224

8-Best Average: 0.327

-Tim Hardaway Jr. hits threes and gets a good amount of steals. THJ also shoots a good percentage from the line. There are some signs that Hardaway could get enough assist if he played enough games as well. There are some nice things about his game but not enough to rank very high.

Philadelphia 76ers

14. Ben Simmons

Age: 21 - Games: 81
Points: 1279 (1.510) - Rebounds: 659 (2.180)
Assists: 661 (4.213) - 3P Made: 0 (-1.004)
Steals: 140 (3.061) - Blocks: 70 (1.540)
Turnovers: 278 (-3.375) - FT%: 0.560 (-1.660)
FG%: 0.545 (1.242)
FanDuel PPG: 42.14
9-Cat Average: 0.856

8-Best Average: 1.385

-Ben Simmons was an elite NBA player in the 2018 season. Simmons was a true outlier in multiple categories and above-average in almost everything. Simmons gets knocked for his clear shortcomings (shooting) but his game clearly makes up for that and more. Ben Simmons is a likely top 10 candidate for years to come.

19. Robert Covington

Age: 27 - Games: 80
Points: 1009 (0.914) - Rebounds: 433 (0.996)
Assists: 156 (0.207) - 3P Made: 203 (2.470)
Steals: 137 (2.996) - Blocks: 72 (1.611)
Turnovers: 126 (-0.831) - FT%: 0.853 (0.897)
FG%: 0.413 (-0.611)
FanDuel PPG: 28.30
9-Cat Average: 0.958

8-Best Average: 1.181

-Robert Covington had a great year in in many ways this season. His game will be overshadowed by the likes of Simmons and Embiid but it should be noted that Covington was abover-average in every counting stat this year. It was a breakout campaign for RoCo.

26. Joel Embiid

Age: 23 - Games: 63
Points: 1445 (1.876) - Rebounds: 690 (2.343)
Assists: 199 (0.548) - 3P Made: 66 (0.125)
Steals: 40 (-0.097) - Blocks: 111 (3.004)
Turnovers: 234 (-2.638) - FT%: 0.769 (0.164)
FG%: 0.483 (0.372)
FanDuel PPG: 44.29
9-Cat Average: 0.633

8-Best Average: 1.042

-It was a sensational year for Joel Embiid but his season totals don't have him as high as one might expect due to Embiid's limited game total. It is clear that Joel's limiting factor will always been his games played. The sky is the limit if he ever plays a full season.

Toronto Raptors

15. Kyle Lowry

Age: 31 - Games: 78
Points: 1267 (1.483) - Rebounds: 434 (1.001)
Assists: 537 (3.230) - 3P Made: 238 (3.069)
Steals: 85 (1.324) - Blocks: 19 (-0.281)
Turnovers: 183 (-1.785) - FT%: 0.854 (0.906)
FG%: 0.427 (-0.415)
FanDuel PPG: 34.90
9-Cat Average: 0.948

8-Best Average: 1.290

-It may have slightly flown under the radar but Kyle Lowry had another strong season. Lowry submitted two elite categories and four others that could be considered well above average. It will be interesting to see how long Kyle can keep this up given his age. I imagine he'll age more gracefully than others.

36. DeMar DeRozan

Age: 28 - Games: 80
Points: 1840 (2.747) - Rebounds: 315 (0.378)
Assists: 417 (2.278) - 3P Made: 89 (0.519)
Steals: 85 (1.324) - Blocks: 22 (-0.174)
Turnovers: 175 (-1.651) - FT%: 0.825 (0.653)
FG%: 0.456 (-0.008)
FanDuel PPG: 37.37
9-Cat Average: 0.674

8-Best Average: 0.965

-Like his running mate, it was a good campaign for DeMar DeRozan. Much noise has been made about his uptick in 3-pointers but DeRozan also added in a lot of assists and steals this season. This all helps DeMar be more than just a scorer, which he is sometimes pegged as. I imagine DeRozan is awfully close to his peak right now. 

60. Serge Ibaka

Age: 28 - Games: 76
Points: 959 (0.804) - Rebounds: 478 (1.232)
Assists: 62 (-0.539) - 3P Made: 107 (0.827)
Steals: 29 (-0.444) - Blocks: 99 (2.575)
Turnovers: 90 (-0.229) - FT%: 0.797 (0.409)
FG%: 0.483 (0.372)
FanDuel PPG: 25.26
9-Cat Average: 0.556

8-Best Average: 0.693

-Serge Ibaka can still block shots, he still gets a good amount of rebounds and he can still score with enough threes to be a quality rotation player. I sense his numbers will more likely diminish than advance next season due to what he's shown over the years but that is not a certainty.