Introducing: The Shabazz Assist
Two years ago, Grantland's Kirk Goldsberry introduced the Kobe Assist, a new statistic that "proves that missing shots is sometimes just as valuable as making them." Goldsberry's analysis was interesting, but it left out a key component: the dunkpass. You see, Goldsberry examined what percentage of a player's missed shots were rebounded by his own team, but he inconceivably failed to measure missed dunks that ricochet perfectly to an open teammate in the corner.
Tonight, noted analytics website Deadspin rights that wrong, and unveils the next frontier in NBA analytics: The Shabazz Assist. In the traditional box score, Shabazz Muhammad is only "credited" with a missed field goal for the play above. But with his dunkpass, Muhammad has turned what would be two points into three, a 50% increase in points that the traditional box score completely fails to capture.
But not anymore. All season long, Deadspin will be tracking Shabazz Assists. If you see one in a game, please let us know at [email protected]
[ESPN]
Conor McGregor Lets UFC Momentum Slip Away at UFC 329
Why the Trail Blazers’ Ja Morant Gamble Could Pay Off
- Spain vs. Belgium Best Bets: Three Picks for Friday's World Cup Quarterfinal
- MLB Picks Today: Jack Flaherty, Aaron Nola Strikeout Props for Phillies vs. Tigers
- France vs. Morocco Best Bets: Top Picks for World Cup Quarterfinal Clash
- Big 12 Sleeper Picks: Three Teams That Could Win the Conference in 2026
- Scottish Open Predictions: Top Bets, Longshots and First-Round Picks
- MLB Picks for Today: Why the Marlins and Yankees Offer Betting Value
- WNBA Best Bets Today: Wings vs. Liberty, Sky vs. Mercury Picks for Tuesday

