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Kirk Goldsberry has long been at the forefront of whatever endeavor he pursued. Cartography, geography, and now NBA analytics.
Recently, the San Antonio Express News ran a very insightful profile of the Spurs' most recent hire. You should read the whole article, but here are a few of our personal favorite takeaways.
On Kirk's roundabout journey to a job in the NBA:
Goldsberry didn't initially focus on sports. His dissertation was on Internet real-time traffic maps, and he later used similar maps to reveal a community's lack of access to fresh produce or health care.
On his move towards mapping NBA players' tendencies:
His work used spatial coordinates defined in a hexagonal shape, and he highlighted them depending upon a player's effectiveness at different locations on the court. He mapped his findings and created a clearer picture of what was happening. As a cartographer, he exposed players better than opponents did.
[...]
Among those who Goldsberry mapped years ago was Manu Ginobili. The shot chart showed Ginobili at the 3-point line and at the rim.
And lastly, on his excitement to be working with the Spurs:
"I'm excited to work with this team," Goldsberry said, "and most of all just learn from them."
Welcome aboard Kirk. We are so glad you are here.