What is Potential Assists (PA)?
Think of a potential assist as a “good-job, nice pass” sticker that doesn’t care whether the shooter actually cashes in. The NBA officially describes it “Any pass that leads to a shot within one dribble”. It carries a great value, because potential assists create a scoring chance no matter it’s missed or made shot. Naturally, every official assist starts its life as a potential assist; only the made shots make an appearance in the box score.
How Does the NBA Count Them?
Every NBA arena has 6–10 high-def cameras recording all 10 players and referees plus the ball 25 times in a second. Then, Second Spectrum’s software tags who passes, who catches, who dribbles, and who shoots. Per the One-Dribble-to-Assist Rule, if the catch-and-shoot or layup/dunk happens before the second bounce, the system stamps “PA” on the play. The outcome is not important for getting credited a PA.
How to Makes use of Potential Assists
• Spot the Real Playmakers
The scoreboard says Trae Young had 11 assists, but the PA column (20+) shows he created another nine clean looks teammates bricked.
• Context for Cold Shooting Nights
If your squad clangs everything, potential assists reveal the offense is actually humming; it’s the finishing that’s frozen.
• Rookie Radar
A first-year point guard may average only 3 assists but 12 PAs. Translation: the vision is there—confidence and chemistry will catch up.
• Fantasy & Betting Edge
PAs are an early warning siren. Assist numbers often rise (or fall) toward the PA level over time. Buy low, sell high.
• Talking-Point Gold
Next time someone claims “LeBron’s washed”, drop his PA rank (top-5 at age 40) and watch the debate pivot.