It’s almost unbelievable to consider now, but just eight short years ago, the landscape of professional basketball was vastly different. In those days, very few NBA teams openly embraced analytics, and even those who were delving into data-driven strategies often kept it quiet. It was a time when employing analytics professionals was almost a clandestine operation, with teams hesitant to even list them in directories for fear of being mocked. This was the reality John Hollinger and others in the burgeoning field faced.
Fast forward less than a decade, and the transformation is complete. Teams have not only reversed course but now, in many cases, actively publicize their commitment to analytics. Today, it’s estimated that at least two-thirds of the league’s teams are investing in analytics to some degree. While some might be doing it to simply tick a box, the majority are making serious, dedicated efforts to integrate data-driven insights into their basketball operations. This dramatic shift highlights the impact of pioneers like John Hollinger and the growing recognition of analytics’ value.
Several key moments propelled this evolution. One pivotal event was the Houston Rockets’ bold decision to hire Daryl Morey. This wasn’t just significant because it happened, but because Morey achieved considerable success, demonstrating the practical merit of an analytical approach. As John Hollinger himself notes, had Morey’s initial season resulted in a dismal 24-58 record, the narrative around basketball analytics might be very different today. The annual Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, now a major event, might never have gained its current prominence, affectionately nicknamed “Dorkapalooza.”
Furthermore, certain high-profile outcomes served to further legitimize analytics in the public eye. The San Antonio Spurs’ championship win in 2007, and conversely, the Dallas Mavericks’ unexpected first-round exit in 2010, stand out. In both instances, analytical perspectives diverged sharply from conventional wisdom. While analytics suggested these outcomes were more probable, they were far from guaranteed, underscoring the predictive power and, at times, contrarian nature of data-driven analysis championed by figures like John Hollinger.
A crucial chapter in this story began in late 2004, with the vision of Royce Webb, a key figure behind the scenes at ESPN.com. Webb recognized the growing appetite for basketball analytics and believed it could become a cornerstone of ESPN’s NBA coverage. Collaborating with forward-thinking editors such as Chris Ramsay and Patrick Stiegman, they didn’t just publish a few articles; they invested in developing essential tools and actively promoting analytics. The creation of advanced statistics pages and sophisticated playoff projections proved to be a winning formula, drawing a dedicated and expanding audience. This initiative provided a significant platform for John Hollinger’s work and helped to democratize access to advanced basketball metrics.
John Hollinger acknowledges the irony that ESPN.com’s commitment to analytics, which was instrumental in his own success, ultimately led to his being noticed by the Memphis Grizzlies. The good news, as he points out, is that the appetite for and availability of basketball analytics will continue even with his departure from ESPN. When John Hollinger started his career, the field was niche, populated by only a handful of individuals. Now, there’s a constant influx of talented young writers, many of whom are exceptionally skilled, ensuring the future of basketball analytics is bright.
He highlights the contributions of writers like Tom Haberstroh, whose “Writer Efficiency Rating” is highly impressive, and Kevin Pelton, a veteran in the field who has developed sophisticated models for injury analysis and future projections. Beckley Mason at TrueHoop and Zach Lowe, formerly of Grantland, are also recognized for integrating advanced stats into broader NBA analysis, signaling the mainstream adoption of analytics. These writers, among others, are now essential voices in basketball journalism, further solidifying the legacy of John Hollinger’s pioneering work.
In essence, the landscape has fundamentally shifted. The movement towards data-driven basketball analysis is thriving and in capable hands. As John Hollinger transitions to his new role with the Memphis Grizzlies, he expresses confidence that these emerging talents will continue to advance the field, taking on increased roles and responsibilities.
Ultimately, John Hollinger emphasizes the pivotal role of the readers in driving the analytics revolution. The growth of his career at ESPN.com and the broader acceptance of analytics were fueled by reader demand. He expresses deep gratitude to all those who subscribed to Insider, read his articles, participated in chats, followed him on Twitter, and explored advanced stats pages. Their engagement and curiosity were instrumental in pushing analytics into the mainstream.
After nearly eight transformative years at ESPN.com, John Hollinger embraces a new opportunity with the Memphis Grizzlies, expressing immense excitement for the challenges and possibilities ahead. While he embarks on this new chapter, the field of basketball analytics, in part due to his contributions, continues its forward momentum, heading towards an even more insightful and data-informed future.
