Explaining NBA offensive rating for teams and players, and how to calculate the stats used by so many analysts.
NBA Team Offensive Rating (ORtg)
A teams' offensive rating measures a team's scoring efficiency based on the amount of points a team scores per 100 possessions.
If a team turns the ball over often, and does not shoot a very high percentage from the field, they will have a low offensive rating.
In the 2024/25 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers led the association in offensive rating with a 119.1 offensive rating. This means they averaged 119.1 points per 100 offensive possessions.
How to Calculate a teams Offensive Rating
(Total Points / Total Offensive Possessions) x 100.
NBA Player Offensive Rating (ORtg)
An individuals offensive rating measures how many points an individual player produces per 100 possessions. This stat evaluates efficiency by considering scoring, assists, and offensive rebounds while factoring in missed shots and turnovers.
Rather than focusing on just scoring output, individual offensive ratings reward efficient players. Elite scorers typically have a high offensive rating, but big men typically have high offensive ratings because of their high field goal percentages.
Jarrett Allen has the highest ever career offensive rating (130.39) due to his high field-goal percentage, strong offensive rebounding, and low turnover rate.
It should be analyzed alongside a players usage rate, to differentiate between high volume scorers and high-efficiency role players like Allen.
How to Calculate a Players Offensive Rating
ORtg = Points Produced / Individual Possessions x 100
Points Produced = Points Scored + (Assists x 2) + (Offensive Rebounds x 0.588)
(Assists are typically weighted at 2 points per assists)
(Offesnsive Rebounds are weighted at 0.588 points acknowledging that not all offensive rebounds result in immediate scores)
Individual Possessions = Field Goal Attempts + 0.44 x FTA + Turnovers
(The 0.44 Factor accounts for shooting fouls that do not result in free throw attempts)
All-Time NBA Offensive Rating Leaders
Jarrett Allen | 130.39 |
Rudy Gobert | 128.86 |
Nikola Jokic | 127.18 |
Clint Capela | 126.51 |
Ivica Zubac | 126.51 |
Tyrese Haliburton | 125.65 |
Jimmy Butler | 123.98 |
Chris Paul | 122.65 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 122.24 |
Reggie Miller | 121.48 |
