1 Introduction

This report explores NBA player performance using FiveThirtyEight’s RAPTOR dataset. The dataset includes offensive, defensive, and total RAPTOR ratings, along with advanced statistics like Wins Above Replacement (WAR) and minutes played.

2 Visualization 1: Median Total RAPTOR by Season

This line chart shows how the median total RAPTOR rating of NBA players with at least 200 minutes evolved from 2013–14 to 2021–22. Each point represents the central tendency of player impact in a given season. While the median remained fairly consistent across most years, 2018–19 shows a notable dip—indicating that the “typical” player had lower overall impact that season, possibly due to league-wide shifts or roster dynamics.

3 Visualization 2: Top 10 WAR Leaders (2021–22)

This horizontal bar chart highlights the top 10 NBA players by regular-season WAR (Wins Above Replacement) for the 2021–22 season. WAR captures a player’s total value added to their team’s success. The plot illustrates how standout performers like Nikola Jokić contributed significantly more than their peers which emphasizes the gap between MVP-caliber players and the rest of the league.

4 Visualization 3: RAPTOR Scatter by Season

This animated scatterplot maps NBA players by offensive and defensive RAPTOR scores over time, filtering for players with at least 200 minutes per season. Each frame represents one season and shows how players are distributed based on their impact. Larger circles indicate greater overall RAPTOR impact. The plot visually distinguishes player archetypes—offensive specialists, defensive anchors, two-way stars, and neutral contributors—by their location on the axes.

5 Visualization 4: WAR Bar Chart Race

This bar chart race tracks the top 10 NBA players in WAR from season to season. It dynamically shows how player impact shifts over time and spotlights consistent top performers like LeBron James as well as emerging stars. The animation emphasizes the competitive nature of the league and reveals patterns in dominance, longevity, and breakout seasons.