As I've said before, I'm not a huge fan of PER, but the majority of the posters here constantly misuse it, tbh..
The problem with PER is the same problem as any other argumentative tool: over-reliance and misinterpretation..
PER is a box score stat..it summarizes the box scores, and systematically compares players across the board..of all box score stats, it's arguably the most effective tool IMO, along with Wins Produced/Win Shares per 48..
PER has it's flaws, but it does a good job of factoring in the performances of teammates, compe ion, etc..it's a vastly superior statistic than any basic box score stat..Jamstone's argument about players having higher PERs in years with inferior teammates is false..
However, I do agree with Jamstone's argument that any one factor should not determine the status of a player, nor should any one factor act as the entire body of a person's argument..
Generally, NBA fans are divided into a couple of groups:
- Advanced stats are all that matters
- Rings and winning is all that matters
- Coaches and players opinions are all that matters
All 3 groups have an abundance if fanatics and extremists..
IMO, the only way to properly conduct an argument is to consider all the factors related to the NBA..
- Accolades
- Level of teammates and compe ion
- Stats
- Watching games
Fortunately, for today's fans, we have a number of tools to form our arguments and learn more about the NBA..Synergy Sports has changed the game IMO, their tools have brought a different, in-depth look at the NBA..
Using "Career PER" is flawed, as I have reiterated many times..PER is set with '15' as the average, but to my knowledge, the performance of the players around you is factored into the number..therefore, while the "average" standard is the same number, every year, the value of each number is actually weighed differently, for every particular season..
The seasonal ranking for each individual player is a more accurate method to use PER as a comparative tool IMO..obviously PER can be used in combination with other advanced stats, as well, to further illustrate the point..
Another advanced stat flaw is using adjusted +/- without combining the individual player's number with the "5-man unit" numbers for his team..it's a more effective usage of the stat..