Project Goal

The goal of this project was to evaluate the Indiana Pacers’ roster construction and identify key inefficiencies using shot quality and efficiency metrics.

This analysis was conducted using a February data snapshot prior to the Ivica Zubac trade, with the objective of identifying player archetypes that best address the team’s weaknesses.

The central question guiding this report was:
Which players best address the Pacers’ inefficiencies based on shot quality, scoring efficiency, and defensive impact?

Project Execution

Built a scouting report analyzing the Indiana Pacers’ offensive and defensive profile through shot quality and efficiency metrics

Evaluated team-wide shooting inefficiencies despite above-average shot creation quality

Identified structural issues where strong shot generation did not translate into scoring efficiency

Developed a player query model to identify potential roster fits based on efficiency, defense, and contract value

Highlighted potential targets including Duncan Robinson, Keldon Johnson, and Jamison Battle based on fit criteria

Synthesized statistical findings into roster construction insights and actionable player archetypes

Skills Developed

Sports analytics and basketball data interpretation focused on shot quality and efficiency metrics

SQL-based player querying and filtering for roster fit analysis

Translating statistical outputs into actionable front-office style decisions

Identifying roster construction issues through team-wide efficiency profiling

Structuring scouting insights into clear, decision-oriented reporting

Building frameworks for evaluating offensive efficiency vs. defensive impact

Key Takeaways / Improvements for Next Report

Improve integration of defensive metrics alongside offensive efficiency earlier in the analysis

Expand player evaluation framework to include more contextual lineup and usage data

Strengthen linkage between statistical findings and specific roster construction decisions

Develop more robust filters for player comparison beyond efficiency and shot quality alone

Continue improving clarity in connecting team weaknesses directly to player archetypes

Report