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The All-Star break is rapidly approaching its conclusion, but I’ve got one more game for you: Guess That Shot Chart!

I’ll show you a shot chart of an All-Star (with some Rising Stars sprinkled in to keep you on your toes), and you guess who you think it represents. Then, at the bottom, I’ll give out the answers and discuss what makes that shot chart noteworthy.

(I ran something like this a few years ago, inspired by a now-defunct ESPN feature, and people seemed to like it. I’ve recently become obsessed with the idea of interactive sportswriting, pieces that allow me to engage with you in a more tactile way.

This is a fun but still educational example that gives me some scaffolding upon which to talk about interesting things. I want to run more pieces like this, so if you have seen other versions of interactive writing across any genre or have ideas of your own you’re willing to share, please write in the comments or email me at mike@basketballpoetry.com; I’d love to find more examples to steal from to inspire me!)

It’s worth noting that shot charts have plenty of flaws. For example, they don’t show you how players generate shots (catch-and-shoots or off-the-dribble? Set plays or random basketball? Dunks or layups?), and they aren’t particularly precise (most players shoot more shots in the handful of hexes around the rim than anywhere else), but it’s a useful look at the geography of a player’s shot selection.

Here’s a non-All-Star example. Who is this?

Any ideas? Here are a few clues you can glean from the map. The proliferation of deep threes from above the break and the relative paucity of triples from the corners suggests a star ballhandler (role players are more likely to spot up near right angles). This player is slightly better at shooting from the left side than the right, so they’re probably right-handed. They likely have a strong floater game, as indicated by the dark blue hexes in the upper paint, but their finishing numbers aren’t elite.

Any guesses? It’s Charlotte’s own shoulda-been All-Star, LaMelo Ball!

The shot chart does a good job of showing where Ball has been most and least efficient, but it doesn’t show things like free throws or shot mechanics. For example, there’s no way to tell from looking at this that Ball loves to shoot difficult running one-legged threes all the time (a shot that is increasingly popular and [usually] serves an actual purpose, despite what 55-year-old has-beens are grumbling). But I still think it’s a relatively insightful visualization.

Below, I’ve collected 11 more charts (all generated by Statmuse). The first five are multiple-choice, and the last six are fill-in-the-blanks. If you need help remembering the All-Stars, here are the rosters; I won’t judge you.

Answers and write-ups at the bottom to avoid spoilers.

Shot Chart 1

A: Giannis Antetokounmpo
B: Evan Mobley
C: Zach Edey
D: Alperen Sengun

Shot Chart 2

A: Keyonte George
B: Tyler Herro
C: Jalen Williams
D: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shot Chart 3

A: Jalen Williams
B: Damian Lillard
C: Jaylen Brown
D: Cade Cunningham

Shot Chart 4

A) Jalen Brunson
B) Dalton Knecht
C) Kyrie Irving
D) Jaylen Wells

Shot Chart 5

A) Donovan Mitchell
B) Anthony Edwards
C) Trae Young
D) Steph Curry

EXPERT MODE

No more multiple choice! Here, you have to fill in the blank with an All-Star or Rising Star.

Shot Chart 6

Shot Chart 7

Shot Chart 8

Shot Chart 9

Shot Chart 10

Shot Chart 11

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ANSWER KEY

SHOT CHART 1
Answer: A) Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis’ shot chart this season is pretty — midnight dots almost everywhere inside the three-point line. It’s fascinating because it encapsulates how incredible he’s become at that midrange jumper, the perfect counter to his Juggernautian rim stampedes:

Look at that thing! Giannis is 30-for-65 on fadeaway jumpers this season, good for 46%. That’s similar volume and better accuracy than many players with shinier jump-shooting reputations, like Jayson Tatum and Jamal Murray.

If the middie is real, Giannis should age more gracefully. Even someone with his immense physical tools and finishing craft needs an off-speed pitch to keep defenses honest and protect his body. The fifteen-footer might give three-and-layups Moreyball acolytes an ulcer, but it’s a whole lot better than jacking up a few random three-pointers per game for a guy who hasn’t cracked 30% from deep in four years.

SHOT CHART 2

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