Top 5 NBA player impact estimate rankings as of January 25, 2022
NBA Player Impact Estimate (PIE) is essentially a simpler version of PER, or Player Efficiency Rating. Metrically, it incorparates almost everything a player does in the box score to calculate their all-around impact. These are the players who do it all.
If they are off in one category, an influence on the game is made otherwise, and in many ways. They are the triple-double threats nightly, or the players so far out in front of the league in another category that their numbers become glaringly legendary.
There is a passion for affecting the game in any and every way possible. These are high-usage rate players, and the rock is most likely in their hands at the end of every close game on the schedule.
For those looking for Kevin Durant on this list, his PIE of 18.1 would sit fourth and tied with another player listed. With respect to his numbers, and since the superstar is on the shelf rehabbing a knee injury, why not give another player shine?
Here's our Top 5.
# 5 LeBron James continues to show and NBA prove
Special is as special does, and LeBron James at age 37 continues to be special.
The NBA legend could shock the world and win his fifth MVP award in 2022. He is on a mission to prove the LA Lakers will be a major factor regardless of position entering the playoffs. How he consistently plays at this level further illuminates the greatness of James – greatness that has illuminated his excellence since the second he left Akron, Ohio. That is consistency.
Fourth in the NBA in minutes played (36.7 per), the intensity in his play combined with a priority to score the ball and lead his shorthanded team to victory is a great thing to watch. As he approaches his 20th season, James continues to astound, and through his longevity, future generations of NBA fans will learn his name sooner rather than later.
LeBron can thread the needle on any defense. His game aging like the finest wine. 🍷
(via @NBA) https://t.co/WMIQBjg65T
#4 Rudy Gobert is much more than a defensive juggernaut
Rudy Gobert, the defending Defensive Player of the Year, changes how offenses operate whenever they play the Utah Jazz.
His 18.1 PIE is tied with Kevin Durant, and with Gobert in particular, most of what makes up his PIE happens on the defensive end. Gobert is averaging an NBA-leading 15.1 boards per game and also the second-most blocks in the league with 2.3.
The opposition fully understands what it has to deal with nightly against the Jazz. Gobert is a defensive force who averages 16.1 points per game – which is a double blow to whoever thinks an easy night will be had guarding the game's top defensive presence.
PARDON @rudygobert27 ?!?!?! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
https://t.co/aBXsqjFSa4
The Utah Jazz will remain competitive as long as Gobert is healthy. He provides rim protection very few teams have. Combined with the offensive weapon that Donovan Mitchell is, Utah will be a force that will define what happens in the postseason.