Dean Oliver explains value of advanced NBA metrics

ESPN analytics expert Dean Oliver believes statistical models can provide a different perspective when evaluating the NBA’s top players.

Oliver cited several advanced metrics and player-rating systems that “provide a useful counter perspective to the humans, with their good eyes but occasional biases.”

His evaluation of Jalen Brunson illustrates the difference.

While ESPN’s seven-person panel placed Brunson sixth overall, Oliver has the Knicks star “around the No. 25 range.”

Oliver has published two books on basketball analytics and previously worked as an assistant coach for analytics with the Washington Wizards before returning to ESPN in 2024.

His evaluation takes factors such as defensive metrics into account, which contributed to Brunson finishing considerably lower in his assessment than in ESPN’s panel ranking.