NBA League Averages 1979-2019

We are going to illustrate via graphs the NBA Season Averages of all teams, as extracted from Basketball-Reference ‘NBA League Averages - Per Game’.

The statistics selected are FT%, 2pt%, 3pt% and 3pt Attempt Rate, Pace and Offensive Rating, and 4 Factors eFG%, OffRb%, TOV%, FT/FGA.

The period selected is from 1979-80, ie the year that NBA adopted the three-point line.

For each graph we are giving a one-line interpretation (obviously incomplete and debatable)!

After 1998-99 we have a significant positive trend in FT%. 76,8% at 1988-89 proves that it's quite difficult to improve in FTs during the years.

As in FTs, significant positive trend after 1998-99. Historic highs after 2015-16 above the 50% limit

While we are shooting more 3s after the introduction of Golden State Warriors dominance at 2014-15, the 3pt% is close to average percentage after 1995-96. In fact the 3pt% after 2004-05 has a slight decreasing trend!

3pt% and 3pt Attempt Rate: The new trend of shooting more 3s doesn’t follow any similar increase at 3pt%! While someone would expect that 3pt% is also increased at the last seasons, this is not the case

Pace and Offensive Rating: From 1998-99 season both Pace and Offensive Rating are increased almost equally. Running faster means having better offenses. Simple as that!

After 1998-99 Lockout eFG% is increased due to more 3pts shots, and due to better 2pt% (refer to previous 2pt% graph).

Significant rise after first Golden State Warriors championship at 2014-15

Teams are getting less and less Offensive Rebounds. Decreasing OffRb% trend from 1979-80 Season until now! Decreasing trend even more radical after 2011-12 Miami's Heat Championship

Almost same trend as in OffRBs: Turnovers are less and less. There is a decreasing trend, especially after 1996-97 at Chicago Bulls championship

Teams are executing less FTs per Field Goals Attempts. It's a derivative of more 3pts, and thus of less contacts in the paint

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