Are you a believer in advanced metrics/analytics?

[littleteapot]

Back on topic: "Motor" is probably the worst (i.e. most subjective) 'anti-stat' that's still used.

It is definitely subjective, and too often gets misapplied as a moniker to explain a guy who just isn't as talented as his teammates.

Do you think it exists, though?

I don't really understand why people use stuff like "motor" and "toughness" as arguments against the viability of statistics. If you are a really hard-working tough player, it should result in you being able to do better stuff and do things like take better shots, get fouled more etc. I don't think anyone does things that "don't show up on the stat sheet" other than doing things like boxing out for a teammate which we literally don't count on the stat sheet.

[D.o.s.]

Back on topic: "Motor" is probably the worst (i.e. most subjective) 'anti-stat' that's still used.

It is definitely subjective, and too often gets misapplied as a moniker to explain a guy who just isn't as talented as his teammates.

Do you think it exists, though?

Back on topic: "Motor" is probably the worst (i.e. most subjective) 'anti-stat' that's still used.

I think within statistic circles they call it "activity level" now, but I know for certain I've read Zach Lowe or someone talking about I think Anthony Davis and using SportVU data to track movement across the floor during defensive possessions. They called it motor then.

I think in the modern era Kenneth Faried is the motor guy, right? What does that mean? He runs a lot? How's Corey Brewer's motor? Hopping back to the NFL, why were so many people questioning Clowney's motor?

If we're talking about misapplication we first need to come up with a "yes, this is a motor" moment, right?

[Donoghus]

I just always seem to interpret "motor" guys as players that don't really take plays off or play at a high effort level near or all game.   You could be getting blown out and this guy is still diving for loose balls or getting back on D to try & draw a charge.

In the big picture of things, I'm not sure if it actually does anything substantive and is certainly over-rated but I do think its a trait that exists in certain athletes.

[Roy H.]

I don't really understand why people use stuff like "motor" and "toughness" as arguments against the viability of statistics.

Who does this?

[Who]

Motor to me is multiple effort plays.

Guys who can make 3-4 (more) effort plays in same possession.

[fairweatherfan]

Back on topic: "Motor" is probably the worst (i.e. most subjective) 'anti-stat' that's still used.

I think within statistic circles they call it "activity level" now, but I know for certain I've read Zach Lowe or someone talking about I think Anthony Davis and using SportVU data to track movement across the floor during defensive possessions. They called it motor then.

It's an interesting approach - it'd also be interesting to see which players play consistently closest to their maximum activity level.  Seems like the idea of "motor" is somewhere in that vicinity, though you'd probably also want to factor in whether that max level is unusually high to begin with.

[nickagneta]

Motor guys are interesting but that doesn't necessarily translate to good play.

It goes back to that old adage, would you rather have someone who works hard or works smart. Not saying that someone with a great motor isn't a good player just that it's not always a guarantee that what he is doing is actually bring a positive effect to the game.

I know teams have stats that aren't in the advanced metrics area that I would love to see like 50/50 balls won, balls deflected, shots altered, etc. Be cool to see those stats that coaches love to use for their chalkboard stuff in the locker room.

[fairweatherfan]

Motor guys are interesting but that doesn't necessarily translate to good play.

It goes back to that old adage, would you rather have someone who works hard or works smart. Not saying that someone with a great motor isn't a good player just that it's not always a guarantee that what he is doing is actually bring a positive effect to the game.

Whutchu talkin' bout Nick?

[chilidawg]

Things like motor and playing smart are why I like the RPM stat, which just tries to answer the question, "Are you having a positive impact when you're on the court?".  How well it answers the question is open for debate of course.