What PER Actually Measures
Player Efficiency Rating, or PER, is a stat built to cut through the noise. It looks at what a player does each minute they’re on the court and condenses it all into one number. Whether you’re putting up 30 shots a game or coming off the bench for 12 minutes, PER aims to tell the story of your impact without the volume based bias.
John Hollinger created PER to solve an old problem: how do we compare stars and role players fairly? His answer was a formula that balances positive contributions like points, rebounds, assists and subtracts the negatives, like missed shots and turnovers. The result? A metric that tries to show who’s helping their team win, minute by minute.
It’s not perfect (we’ll get to that), but it’s a clean snapshot in a messy game.
Strengths of the Metric
Leveling the Playing Field
One of the most helpful aspects of Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is its ability to normalize player performance. Because it’s a per minute stat, it removes the bias that often comes with comparing players based solely on total stats. This means efficiency not just sheer volume gets the spotlight.
Adjusts for minutes played, offering a more accurate comparison across starters and bench players
Accounts for pace of play, so players on fast paced teams aren’t unfairly boosted
Apples to Apples Comparisons
PER makes it possible to evaluate players who play vastly different roles or have varying amounts of playing time.
Helps compare high usage stars to role players fairly
Useful when assessing bench impact without penalizing limited minutes
Trusted by Analysts Across the NBA
For front offices, analysts, and engaged fans, PER offers a reliable starting point.
Provides a quick snapshot of on court contributions
Often used in conjunction with other metrics to inform decisions around scouting, trades, and player development
For a deeper look into how PER fits into basketball analytics, check out this breakdown.
Where PER Falls Short
PER is solid for surface level checks, but it’s got blind spots especially when it comes to defense. Steals and blocks grab headlines, sure, but they only scratch the surface of a player’s defensive value. Contests, rotations, cutting off driving lanes, switching assignments none of that makes it into the formula.
Another flaw? PER doesn’t care if you’re the guy initiating plays or the one cleaning them up. Role matters. A center setting rock solid screens and boxing out every possession won’t pop off the PER chart. A guard tasked with setting tempo and eating minutes won’t either. It’s a numbers game, and that game favors high usage scorers.
And if you’re just watching the numbers, you’re still missing half the picture. PER can’t quantify off ball defense, feel, or how a player shifts the tone of a game without the ball in their hands. Film study still king when it comes to understanding the full story.
So, while PER gives you a glimpse, that glimpse needs context. Otherwise, you’re just chasing shadows on a spreadsheet.
How Teams Use PER in Real Life
PER has become a quiet workhorse behind the scenes for front offices. It’s not flashy, and it’s definitely not perfect but as a scouting tool, it helps spot players flying under the radar. A guy averaging limited minutes but posting a high PER can often signal efficiency and potential, even if he’s buried on the bench.
Still, teams don’t stop at PER. The smart ones pair it with broader metrics like Box Plus/Minus (BPM) and Win Shares (WS) to paint a more complete picture. PER tells you how a player performs in a vacuum. BPM and WS tell you what he’s doing for the team, both on and off the ball.
When it comes to trades and contracts, PER has a seat at the table but it doesn’t run the meeting. Negotiations weigh system fit, age, injury history, and locker room presence. PER might justify an offer or raise red flags but it’s one variable in a long equation.
Explore how PER fits into modern NBA analysis here
Final Take: Use PER, But Don’t Rely on It Alone
PER is a solid starting point. It’s quick, universal, and can point you toward players who are doing more than meets the eye. But it’s not gospel.
The metric has blind spots especially on defense and in understanding player roles. A guy who racks up steals and blocks might look great on paper but still blow rotations or get bullied in the post. PER isn’t catching that. And it won’t tell you if someone sets a killer screen or makes smart off ball cuts.
So use PER as a filter, not a full picture. It’s great for flagging names and spotting trends, but the film tells the truth. Match the numbers with what you see in game. That’s where real insight lives.
Bottom line: keep PER in the mix. Just don’t let it make decisions for you.
