About.com: What are some common statistical evaluations that the "normal" fan may not know about - what's beyond the simple points, assists, rebounds, et al.?
LeBov: APBR Member (Statistical Consultant for the Denver Nuggets) Dean Oliver states:
The biggest thing is efficiency on a possession basis. How efficient are teams at scoring per possession? Beyond this, total shooting percentage reflects how efficient teams and players are with their field goal and free throw attempts. Rebounding percentages, not rebounds per game, are more commonly used. There are many different player rating systems - for example, PER from John Hollinger at ESPN, Roland Beech's Rating at 82games.com, Adjusted Plus/Minus from Dan Rosenbaum, Bob Chaikin's game simulations, and Mike Goodman's Career Rankings.
About.com: How does one become a member and what are the expectations, both for the member and from the member? What does it mean to be an APBR member?
LeBov: Individuals may join by contacting me by e-mail at judco12000@yahoo.com (please include full name, e-mail address & snail mail address) and expressing their interest or by signing up through our website at APBR.org.
The level of participation is really up to the individual member. We all bring a different experience and knowledge base to the organization. The more active the membership, the more beneficial it is to the organization as a whole and to the individual members. Up till now, particpation has mostly been defined by contributions to the discussion board but under the leadership of the new Board of Directors there will opportunities to participate in exciting projects that APBR decides to undertake.
About.com: Is there anything else you'd like to say about APBR?
LeBov: I encourage everyone with an interest in pro basketball to check out the APBR website (APBR.org) and to join the organization if you like what you see. It is fun, a great learning opportunity and a chance to join in something meaningful. In addition to meeting some wonderful people, I have probably learned more about pro ball in my two years of APBR membership than in my previous 50 years as an NBA fan combined!