Explore 2024–25 NBA stats by position. From PER to usage rate and DVP, uncover how PGs to centers shape strategy and dominate fantasy basketball.
Drew Coleman
Basketball may be trending “positionless,” but a player’s position still sets certain statistical expectations. In the 2024–2025 NBA season, each position – point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center – showcases unique stat profiles. Advanced metrics like Player Efficiency Rating (PER), usage rate, true shooting percentage (TS%), and assist-to-turnover ratio help illuminate how different positions contribute. Coaches and fantasy basketball managers alike use these stats, along with Defense vs. Position (DVP) matchup data, to exploit strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break down each position’s role, the typical numbers they produce, and what this means for strategy and fantasy play, backed by the latest 2024–25 data.
Point guards are the primary offensive organizers, tasked with ball-handling, playmaking, and often pushing the tempo. It’s no surprise the league leader in assists is a point guard – Trae Young is dishing 11.4 assists per game. Top PGs typically have high assist totals and strong assist-to-turnover ratios, reflecting their ability to create shots while minimizing mistakes. For instance, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton boasts an elite assist-to-turnover ratio around 5.4:1 teamrankings.com, meaning he logs over 5 assists for every turnover – a level of efficient playmaking coaches love.
Scoring is also a key part of a point guard’s arsenal. Many point guards carry a heavy scoring load, often via dribble penetration and three-point shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who splits guard duties, currently leads the NBA in scoring with 32.9 points per game, showing that a team’s “point” can also be its top point-getter. Steph Curry exemplifies the modern scoring point guard with his sharpshooting – he’s averaging over 24 points with a stellar ~62% true shooting this season statmuse.com, indicating elite efficiency from the floor. High usage rates (how often a player ends a possession) for star PGs are common; Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the league at 35.3% usage statmuse.com, but dynamic guards like Gilgeous-Alexander (34.4% usage) are right behind statmuse.com, emphasizing their central role in offenses.
From a strategy perspective, teams rely on point guards to orchestrate offense and take care of the ball – that assist/turnover ratio is monitored closely by coaches. In fantasy basketball, a floor general who stuffs the assist column without many turnovers (which can deduct points in some formats) is gold. It’s also why Defense vs. Position (DVP) metrics are key: if a certain team struggles to defend point guards, savvy managers will start a PG against them. This year’s DVP data shows, for example, that the Phoenix Suns have been one of the most generous teams to opposing point guards, allowing about 49.9 fantasy points per game to PGs (worst in the NBA) rotogrinders.com. On the flip side, the Miami Heat have been stingy, giving up only ~41.7 FPPG to point guards (best in the league) rotogrinders.com. That means if your fantasy point guard is facing Phoenix, it’s a dream matchup, whereas a meeting with Miami’s defense might temper expectations. Coaches use similar info in-game – if an opponent’s point-of-attack defense is weak, expect the ball-handler to attack early and often.
Shooting guards are often the go-to scorers on their teams, and their statistics in 2024–25 reflect that scoring mentality. The NBA’s scoring title race features multiple shooting guards near the top – notably Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 32.9 PPG to lead the league statpro.io. SGs tend to take a high volume of shots, especially from three-point range and mid-range, so efficiency metrics like true shooting percentage are important to evaluate them. The best shooting guards pair volume with efficiency: Gilgeous-Alexander, for example, isn’t just scoring a ton – he’s doing it with a TS% around 65% statmuse.com, an elite mark for such high usage. Another premier SG, Donovan Mitchell, is known for his explosive scoring nights; when his TS% is high, the Cavaliers are tough to beat.
While point guards rack up assists, shooting guards contribute in other ways. Many SGs still average 3–5 assists (as secondary playmakers) and grab a handful of rebounds, but their primary job is shot-making. Usage rate for top shooting guards can rival point guards – they often share crunch-time responsibilities. And in today’s NBA, many shooting guards are also expected to play strong perimeter defense (the classic “3-and-D” role). That two-way demand doesn’t always show up directly in basic stats, but advanced stats like defensive rating or steal rates can highlight an SG’s impact. For instance, some SGs like Mikal Bridges (a natural SF who often defends SGs) combine moderate scoring with high steals/blocks, adding value beyond points.
In terms of matchups, shooting guards can feast when facing weak wing defenders. DVP numbers for 2024–25 indicate the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled against opposing shooting guards, surrendering roughly 43 fantasy points per game to SGs (ranking worst) rotogrinders.com. Conversely, the San Antonio Spurs have been toughest on SGs, allowing only about 33.8 FPPG (best in the NBA) rotogrinders.com. Real-world coaches might exploit a Laker lineup that features poor SG defense by running plays for their shooting guard (imagine a team targeting that matchup to free their sharpshooter). Fantasy players take note too – if your shooting guard is up against San Antonio’s perimeter defense, you might consider another option that week. Generally, though, you draft shooting guards for scoring outbursts. When they’re hot, they can swing games (both real and fantasy) with 30+ point nights and flurries of threes.
Small forwards are the Swiss Army knives of NBA lineups. Typically ranging from about 6’6” to 6’10”, SFs can often handle the ball, shoot from outside, slash to the rim, and guard multiple positions. This versatility shows up in balanced stat lines. Take Boston’s Jayson Tatum as an example – he’s averaging about 27.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game
statpro.io, filling up every column. Similarly, LeBron James (nominally a forward) continues to post around 25+ points, 8 rebounds, and 6+ assists a night in his 40s, illustrating how elite small forwards contribute across the board. It’s common for a top SF to be second on the team in rebounding and assists while also being a primary scorer.
Because of this do-it-all role, advanced metrics often smile on small forwards. Many have solid PERs and win share totals since they impact many facets of the game. Their usage rates vary – some teams use their SF as the focal point (e.g. Kevin Durant, whose usage and efficiency keep him among PER leaders), while other SFs play more off-ball or defensively focused roles, resulting in lower usage but perhaps strong defensive metrics. True shooting percentage is still key; forwards who can score efficiently at volume are hugely valuable. Durant and Tatum, for instance, both hover around the high-50s to 60% TS range, balancing three-point shots, free throws, and drives effectively.
Matchup-wise, small forwards often have the toughest defensive assignments, which can occasionally dampen their offensive numbers if they expend energy guarding stars. But when facing a team that’s weak on the wing, a good SF will take advantage. So far this season, the DVP data pinpoints the Houston Rockets as vulnerable to small forwards – Houston is giving up about 44.9 FPPG to SFs, worst in the league rotogrinders.com. By contrast, the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs have been much more effective, with San Antonio yielding only ~36.5 FPPG to opposing small forwards (best in NBA) rotogrinders.com. This tells us that a player like Durant or Tatum facing Houston could be in line for a big night, whereas the same player might find tougher sledding versus San Antonio’s scheme. Fantasy managers often stream wings who are playing against Houston or other defense-poor teams. And coaches, if they see a mismatch at the 3, will run sets to get their small forward involved. The bottom line: the small forward’s jack-of-all-trades nature means they will usually find some way to contribute, even if one aspect (say scoring) is slowed down – they can crash the boards or facilitate instead, helping both their team and fantasy roster with multi-category production.
Traditionally the domain of post players, the power forward position has evolved – today’s PFs can bully inside and stretch the floor. Statistically, power forwards often rack up impressive rebound and scoring totals. Many PFs average a double-double or close to it. In fact, the league’s top rebounder is a power forward/center: Domantas Sabonis is hauling in 13.9 rebounds per game to lead the NBA statpro.io. It’s common to see power forwards among the rebounding leaders, as they patrol the paint and glass. Scoring-wise, the position features some of the game’s biggest stars – for example, Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting up about 30.2 points and 12.0 rebounds per game this season statpro.io, numbers that underscore a PF’s ability to dominate physically. Giannis also has the highest usage rate in the league (35.3%) statmuse.com, meaning Milwaukee’s offense runs through him on over one-third of their possessions – a testament to how a power forward can be a team’s central hub.
Advanced stats often love these big men. It’s no coincidence that Giannis and other top PFs post stratospheric PERs, since PER rewards efficient scoring, rebounding, and drawing fouls – all strengths of a great power forward. (Antetokounmpo, for instance, consistently logs a PER in the high 20s to 30 range, and Denver’s two-time MVP Nikola Jokić – a center/PF – currently leads the league with a PER around 32 statmuse.com.) True shooting percentage can be very high for PFs as well, especially those who primarily dunk or finish inside; many bigs have TS% well above 60%. Interestingly, some forwards are now stretching out – a PF like Kevin Love (when he plays) might hit multiple threes, so PFs contribute a bit in 3PM nowadays too.
From a matchup standpoint, power forwards often exploit size or speed advantages. A skilled PF will take a slower defender out to the perimeter or punish a smaller one in the post. This year, Sacramento’s defense has had difficulty containing opposing PFs, allowing roughly 49.4 fantasy points per game to power forwards (worst in the NBA) rotogrinders.com. Teams facing the Kings often see big nights from the opposing 4. In contrast, the Miami Heat have been tough, giving up only about 39.8 FPPG to PFs rotogrinders.com – likely due to Miami’s physical frontcourt and strong schemes. So if you’re a coach and you see Sacramento on the schedule, you might game-plan to feed your power forward early and often. Fantasy GM? You’re definitely starting your PF against the Kings. These DVP splits can be significant – a power forward who normally averages 15 and 8 might explode for 25 and 12 against a weak interior defense. And with many PFs playing heavy minutes, their durability and volume of opportunities remain high (some like Julius Randle rarely miss a game or a chance to put up numbers). In essence, the power forward continues to be a workhorse position, and when matched with a favorable opponent, they often post monster stat lines.
Centers anchor the paint – and in 2024–25, they’re anchoring stat sheets as well. The modern center can do more than just rebound and block shots; the best centers score efficiently and even run offenses through their passing. Look no further than Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets’ center who is redefining the position. Jokić is nearly averaging a triple-double this season with about 29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game statpro.io – unheard-of playmaking from the center spot. It’s no wonder his PER leads the league at an elite level statmuse.com. Centers often dominate Player Efficiency Rating because the stat rewards their high field-goal percentages, rebounding, and block shots (and Jokić adds assists to that mix).
Even traditional centers are putting up big numbers. Joel Embiid, last season’s MVP, is again near the top of the scoring charts (around the high 20s in PPG) while pulling in ~10+ rebounds a night. Centers frequently shoot a high percentage from the field (many attempts are dunks or close-range), leading to lofty true shooting percentages. In fact, the league’s true shooting percentage leaders are mostly big men – for example, Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen is hovering around a 72% TS this year statmuse.com, and other dunk-centric centers like Daniel Gafford and Jalen Duren are above 70% as well. These figures illustrate how efficient centers can be. Additionally, centers contribute defensive stats: they often lead in blocks (Myles Turner, Walker Kessler, etc., are among block leaders around ~2+ BPG) and can rack up steals if they have quick hands in the post.
Defense vs. Position data shows clear trends for centers too. Notably, teams that lack a solid interior presence get punished by opposing fives. The Philadelphia 76ers – somewhat surprisingly – have allowed the most fantasy production to centers, about 55.3 FPPG rotogrinders.com. (This could be influenced by games Embiid sat out or simply other teams focusing their attack inside against Philly’s backups.) On the flip side, the Utah Jazz have been the stingiest, giving up only around 43.8 FPPG to centers rotogrinders.com, thanks in part to their size and rim protection. For coaches, if an opposing team struggles versus big men, the game plan will feature heavy doses of post play and pick-and-rolls aimed at the rim. We’ve seen many teams attack the 76ers in the paint whenever Embiid is off the floor, capitalizing on that weakness. In fantasy, streaming a mid-tier center against such a team can yield a huge double-double night. Conversely, even a star center might underperform (by their standards) against a stout interior defense like Milwaukee’s or Utah’s.
It’s also worth mentioning how some centers have become fulcrums of their team’s offense – Jokić being the prime example with his assist numbers, but others like Domantas Sabonis (around 6–7 APG) also facilitate from the high post statmuse.com. This evolution means centers can now contribute in categories traditionally dominated by guards, all while still controlling the paint. In summary, an elite center can influence every aspect of the game: efficient scoring, glass cleaning, playmaking, and defense. That’s reflected in both their gaudy stat lines and their advanced metrics; it’s no coincidence that the top of the PER leaderboard is often populated by centers and big forwards.
One often overlooked aspect of player value – both in real life and fantasy – is availability. In a season that now features 82 regular games plus a new in-season tournament, staying on the court is a skill in itself. This season the NBA introduced a rule requiring players to appear in 65+ games to be eligible for major awards, underscoring the importance of durability. So who are the ironmen of 2024–25? Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges stands out – as of February he had played 525 consecutive games in his career nypost.com, an active streak he’s continuing with the Knicks. Bridges not only plays every night, he leads the league in minutes per game at about
38.3 MPG nypost.com, showing incredible stamina. These are invaluable traits: a coach knows he can pencil Bridges in the lineup every game, and a fantasy manager never worries about a “DNP-rest” from him.
League-wide, the reality is most players will miss a few games, but a handful strive for perfect attendance. Last season (2023–24), only five players managed to play all 82 games – notably Harrison Barnes, Reggie Jackson, Jonas Valančiūnas, Bobby Portis, and Buddy Hield each appeared in every game statmuse.com. (Hield even played 84, benefiting from trades and the extra in-season tournament contests statmuse.com!) This season, the wear and tear has been evident; as of late March 2025, reports showed just a couple of players had yet to miss a game (veterans Taj Gibson and Seth Curry were among the last men standing with 0 games missed) statmuse.com. Such durability is increasingly rare. When a star like Luka Dončić or Devin Booker is able to play 75+ games, it has a huge impact on their team’s success and on fantasy standings – you get that production every week without having to find replacements.
Fantasy managers pay attention to games-played leaders because more games = more opportunity to accumulate stats. Someone like Buddy Hield, who played all 82 last year, not only led the league in games but provided reliable three-point shooting every week statmuse.com.
On the flip side, a brilliant per-game performer who only plays 50 games can sink a fantasy season (and frustrate his actual team’s playoff hopes). From a coaching perspective, durability builds team chemistry and consistency. It’s no coincidence durable teams often have better records. The NBA schedule is grueling, and making it through unscathed is an achievement worth acknowledging – even if it doesn’t show up in box scores. So when analyzing players by position, consider not just their points or rebounds, but how often they can deliver those numbers. An “ironman” small forward or center who gives you 78–80 games is providing an intangible edge through sheer consistency and availability.
Each position in basketball comes with its own statistical signature. Point guards bring the assists and ball control, shooting guards deliver scoring outbursts, small forwards contribute all-around numbers, power forwards pile up points and boards, and centers dominate the paint with efficiency and defense. Advanced stats deepen our understanding – from PER confirming a center’s impact to usage rate spotlighting who the offense funnels through, and TS% revealing which scorers are truly efficient. Coaches use these insights in devising game plans (exploiting a weak positional defender or adjusting to an opponent’s strengths), while fantasy basketball players use them to set lineups and find matchup advantages. The 2024–25 Defense vs. Position trends we’ve seen – like certain teams being very weak against a particular spot – show that even in a switching, positionless era, positional matchups still matter rotogrinders.com rotogrinders.com.
As the season winds down, keep an eye on those notable stat leaders by position: the assist kings at point guard, the bucket-getters at shooting guard, the do-it-all forwards, and the double-double machines in the frontcourt. And don’t forget the durability factor – sometimes the most impactful stat is simply games played. Whether you’re a casual fan checking where your team’s stars stand, a fantasy GM plotting a championship, or an analyst crunching efficiency numbers, understanding each position’s statistical expectations adds a richer layer to watching the game. The numbers tell a story – of roles, of strengths and weaknesses, of strategy – and this season’s story has been a fascinating one for every position on the floor. Basketball is ultimately a team sport, but it’s the unique contributions of point guards, shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards, and centers together that make the NBA such a dynamic and data-rich spectacle every night.
