Analysis: Most productive finishers

The ABA League season has moved past the quarter-mark and some teams and players have been far more effective around the basket than others. 37% of all shots in the ABA League come around the rim and they are converted for a FG% of 59%. Teams are averaging between 42.8 and 26.5 points per game in finishing situations—a huge range as some are far more productive than others around the basket.

Digging Deeper

It should come as no surprise that James Gist leads the ABA League in points per game as a finisher. Among the most explosive lob threats in Europe for the better part of a decade with his combination of length and athleticism, Gist is a big reason why Crvena zvezda mts is the competition’s most productive interior unit to this point. More than just a dunk, his ability to hang and score with touch or absorb contact makes him a difficult matchup inside.

Marko Simonović has come on strong this season—particularly on the offensive glass where he leads the league in points per game from put backs. He and Filip Stanić are responsible for the vast majority of Mega Bemax’s production inside as Simonovic’s agility and size and Stanić’s strength and ability to draw contact make both very productive inside despite their differing styles.

Hassan Martin has been the league’s most reliable finisher shooting an impressive percentage thanks to his toughness in close and ability to play above the rim. Leading the league in points scored rolling to the rim, Martin benefits from the passing ability of Budućnost VOLI’s guards but gives them a very easy target inside.

Stefan Fundić may not play above the rim much, but he does a very nice job keeping things simple inside for Zadar. His intensity and tenacity combined with his ability to move bodies with his wide frame help him find angles to score.

Aleksa Radanov is the only non-big man on this list. His efficiency is spectacular for a player who is often creating his inside shots off the dribble. Doing a terrific job changing speeds and finishing high off the glass, Radanov’s skill level and opportunistic style as a slasher have shined brightly.

Insights and Statistics Provided by Synergy Sports Technology