Insights
Analysis, observations and the occasional argument, from the model. Every figure is read from the boards at build time; if the model changes its mind, so do the columns.
By Ben Stupendous
InsightsThe Best and Worst Trades, Graded TwiceEvery NBA trade since 1999, judged once on what was knowable the day it was made and once on how it turned out. They are not the same list, and the gap between them is the whole story.
InsightsThe Best Careers on the BoardTwenty-seven seasons, one ruler. LeBron James is so far ahead it’s rude, and one active player is on pace to make it a conversation.
InsightsThe Most Valuable Contracts of the CenturyEvery negotiated NBA deal since 1999, valued over its whole life, in today’s money — and why the best ones are worth so much more than the worst ones cost.
InsightsThe Voters and the ModelTwelve of this year’s fifteen All-NBA players are in the model’s top fifteen. The other three, and the three the voters left out, are where it gets interesting.
InsightsThe Internet’s Favourite Trades, PricedWe took the most popular trade proposals on Fanspo this month and ran every one through the Trade Lab. Some of you should be general managers. Most of you should not.
InsightsThe NBA’s Most Mispriced ContractsWhich players generate the most value relative to their salaries — and why the worst contracts in the league mostly aren’t bad bets.
InsightsWhat Does 20.1 WAR Actually Mean?A closer look at how to read player value in this model — and why its numbers run bigger than the ones you’re used to.
InsightsThe Most Valuable Role PlayersWhy the league’s most impactful contracts aren’t always attached to the stars.
InsightsWhere Boston’s Value Came FromThe Celtics finished 4th in the league in total roster surplus with their best player out for most of the year. The credit goes to the rest of the roster.