Memphis Grizzlies: Dillon Brooks and Justise Winslow among team’s lowest PER ratings

Memphis Grizzlies F Justise Winslow shows why the PER is a faulty metric

If there was ever a player who could single-handedly bring down the Player Efficiency rating as a whole, it would be Justise Winslow. He’s a rare player in the modern NBA who can play elite defense and struggle to make much of any impact at all on the offensive end.

And while he has struggled to get involved on offense, it would be unfair to say that he has been a bad player on that end. After shaking off some rust, he’s been below average, but suitable for this offense.

On defense though, he has made a world of change for this Grizzlies team. Since his return, this is what Memphis has looked like with and without him in the game:

Grizzlies with Winslow:

5-5 record, +61, 105 PPG allowed

Grizzlies without Winslow:

0-2 record, -43, 121 PPG allowed

It’s hard to jump to any conclusions after 12 games, but the Grizzlies have clearly played better basketball in games that he has been a part of.

His PER is likely low due to his poor shooting percentages. And because the metric is solely based on statistics, it can’t measure the impact that he has made defensively. There’s no way to add defensive positioning, close outs, or anything from that side of the ball into the figure.

Winslow has the lowest PER of any player currently in the main rotation, but this isn’t a cause for worry. He has done well and will look to improve on the offensive end.