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NBA Greatness Has a Connection to Stats - Five Players With the Highest Usage Rate in the League

These individuals have been consistently great!

In professional basketball, usage rate serves as a metric to gauge a player's contribution to their team's offensive possessions. This metric is derived by combining the player's field goal attempts, free throw attempts, and turnovers, and then dividing this sum by the team's total possessions. Essentially, it quantifies the percentage of team plays in which a player actively participates while on the court, providing valuable insight into their offensive effectiveness and involvement. So, on the list, we will be looking into NBA greats with the highest usage rate.

Michael Jordan

Throughout his incredible NBA career, Michael Jordan's usage rate of 33.26% illustrates his unparalleled offensive dominance. Jordan's effectiveness was demonstrated by his amazing 49.7% lifetime shooting accuracy, even though he was heavily marked by opponents. His effect was evident even in his final years with the Washington Wizards, as seen by his constant high use rate. Jordan was known for his fierce competition and his ability to perform well under pressure. His six NBA championships, five MVP honours, and several game-winning shots attest to his greatness in basketball.

Kobe Bryant 

Kobe Bryant's astonishing offensive variety and dexterity in scoring are reflected in his usage rate of 31.85%. Bryant, who was praised for his flawless technique and deadly mid-range ability, best demonstrated his offensive dominance in 2006 with a remarkable 81 points against the Toronto Raptors. Bryant was able to sustain a high useage rate even in the face of constant defensive scrutiny, indicating his perseverance against strong opponents. Like Jordan, Bryant's usage rate reflects his ability to step up when things count and his clutch performances. Known for maintaining his cool under pressure, Bryant frequently took charge at pivotal moments.

Kobe Bryant (24) on the court against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden

Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson, who is just 6 feet tall, beat the odds to become one of the NBA's most prolific scorers ever. He was a terror for opposing teams because of his agility, ball handling skills, and ability to finish at the rim against larger players. Iverson's legendary 48-point effort in Game 1 of the 2001 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers illustrated his ability to control and dominate the offensive flow of the game. Iverson's ability to handle the ball and create plays is another factor contributing to his high usage rate. Iverson was recognised more for his scoring ability than anything else, but he was also an excellent passer (6.2 APG) with a keen eye for open teammates.

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is a triple-double machine who leaves a long-lasting impression on the game. His usage percentage of 31.64% is proof of this. With his special combination of playmaking, rebounding, and scoring skills, Westbrook has almost reinvented the point guard position. Westbrook is a continual danger on the offensive end thanks to his aggressive playing style. Despite facing tremendous defensive pressure, he has maintained a high level of scoring productivity due to his skill in finishing through contact and drawing fouls.

Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell has demonstrated a talent for making his own shots ever since joining the NBA, whether they be three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, or drives to the hoop. His ability to finish through contact, ball handling competence, and explosive first step have made him a reliable attacking danger. By being the fastest player in Utah Jazz history to achieve 5,000 points in a career, Mitchell demonstrated his ability to score and his influence on the offensive output of the team.

These players have made it possible for an individual to shine in a team sport. Their unmatched offence and clutch performances have carried their teams into crucial moments!