The gravity effect refers to the scoring threat through which an offensive player draws defenders toward them, even without the ball. Imagine a defender who sticks close to Stephen Curry beyond the three-point line because they are wary of leaving him open for what would be a long-range shot. This draw compels defences to adapt, with this adaptation creating opportunities. Teammates exploit these openings through the use of drives and open shots.
Introduced in the mid-2010s with player-tracking technology, gravity shows how reputation and movement reshape defences, noticeable even on sites covering entertainment like where to play Big Bass not on GamStop. This off-ball impact is clear to fans, as even non-gambling enthusiasts might notice it.
How Is Gravity Measured?
Advanced measurements from player-tracking systems, such as SportVU, which record every move on the court, are used to measure gravity. Two key stats are the distraction score and the gravity score. The distraction score indicates how frequently a defender shifts their attention to the person in possession of the ball. If a player has a high gravity score, the defence stays close because they fear the player will score. For instance, Damian Lillard’s personality off the ball draws a lot of attention, making opponents prioritize him first. These measures utilize precise data to demonstrate how players make defenses work harder. Recent improvements in analytics now take shot difficulty into account, which makes gravity readings more accurate.
Why Off-Ball Gravity Matters
There is considerable room in the NBA these days due to off-ball gravity. One of Klay Thompson’s defenders has to follow him closely when he runs off screens, or else he could get an open three-point shot. So, friends like Draymond Green can use this to their advantage. It’s easier to get into the paint or find open shots when your team has players with high gravity. Curry’s weight pulled defenders away from him, allowing less well-known players to take advantage of open looks. This helped the Golden State Warriors’ scoring so much in the 2023–24 season. Mismatches can also be created by teams like the Boston Celtics, who use gravity to their advantage. As you can see from teams that don’t have enough space between them, crimes stop moving when there is no gravity.
Players with Elite Gravity
Some players alter the rules of gravity with their shots or how they move when they’re not in possession of the ball. Stephen Curry is the best, and his unmatched range makes players guard him well past the three-point line. During the 2022–23 season, Curry’s off-ball gravity made it easy for Jordan Poole to make many runs. Similarly, JJ Redick in Philadelphia consistently drew defenders, which helped Joel Embiid’s post-up game. Even big players like Nikola Jokić are adept at drawing double teams, which creates space for cuts. Defenders are pulled away by Kevin Durant’s mid-range threat, which makes room for teammates. Gravity isn’t just for guards, as these players show; it’s also about getting the defence’s attention.
Strategies to Maximise Gravity
Coaches devise plays that strengthen a player’s gravitational pull. For Curry, Green’s off-ball screens force players to navigate different barriers, often leading to further changes or, perhaps, open shots. Defenders strive so hard to stop high-gravity players, enabling them to execute back cuts and pass hand-offs. In this case, the Miami Heat uses Tyler Herro’s shooting ability well. That ability sets up moves by Jimmy Butler. The Heat’s offense thrives whenever Herro moves off the ball to draw defenders, which creates space for Butler, allowing him to drive aggressively to the basket. Teams pair shooters with high gravity and bigs who can cut to exploit defensive mistakes. For example, the Denver Nuggets utilize Jokić’s weight to create gaps for Aaron Gordon. This helps maintain the equilibrium of their attack.
Limitations of Gravity Metrics
Although gravity measurements are helpful, they aren’t perfect. Much of their information comes from tracking data, which doesn’t always reveal details such as defensive tactics or player roles. A player’s low gravity number doesn’t mean they aren’t helpful. Rudy Gobert, for example, has very low gravity when he’s not on the ball, but is great at defense. Additionally, metrics struggle to account for factors such as passes or making plays, which can indirectly create space. Players like DeMar DeRozan showed in the 2024–25 season that scoring from mid-range can draw defenders, but gravity scores may not give this enough credit. New statistics are beginning to consider the playmaking effect, but there are still some gaps. Awareness of these boundaries helps teams utilize gravity as part of a larger problem they are trying to solve.