There are several statistics from the 2020-21 NBA season that have been quite surprising.
Some NBA statistics really help determine how we value players. I try to be a guy who considers the eye test and not overvaluing stats, but like most people, I enjoy looking at statistics and believe they hold weight. I recently did a deep dive trying to find some stats that were surprising to me. Here is what I found.
NBA surprising stat, No. 5: Joe Harris, top 10 in 3-point percentage and 3-point field goals
We know Joe Harris is a great shooter. Here’s what’s surprising about Harris’s situation. Consider the Brooklyn Nets roster, Durant, Harden, and Irving are obviously the three top offensive options on that team. Not only that but they are all guards, just like Harris. That undoubtedly makes Harris the 4th and sometimes 5th option on offense.
Everyone on the opposing team knows he’s in there to spot-up and shoot. If you think about players who make the most field goals in the league, they take a bunch of shots to get there. Joe is making the most and being one of the most efficient guys at the same time.
He’s currently the only player in the NBA to be in the top ten in 3-point percentage (48.7%) and in 3-point makes (77) this season. More specifically, he’s 6th in percentage and 4th in makes. He’s one dimensional as a player but he’s perfect at his role. He’s paid to shoot, he’s expected to take and make 3’s, and by the numbers, he’s one of the best.