Team signatures over time

Visualizing the evolution of a team over time

Viraj Sanghvi • April 4, 2014
Photo: jwcoke

In Team signatures, I introduced a tool to visualize a team at a glance.

To better leverage the visualization and data, I added on the ability to view a team progress from the 1979-80 season to current day. I chose 1980 season because that was when the 3 point line was added- we effectively had entered the modern Association.

While its cool to watch your favorite evolve over time, the thing that stuck out the most to me was how the 3 point line has changed over time.

Team signatures in 1980

1980 league average

Team signatures in 1985

1985 league average

Team signatures in 1990

1990 league average

Team signatures in 1990

1995 league average

Team signatures in 2000

2000 league average

Team signatures in 2005

2005 league average

Team signatures in 2014

2014 league average

Interestingly, it took about 10 years for people to start taking threes. It took another 5 years before they really became commonplace (the disparity between 1994 and 1995 is surprising). And then from 2000 to 2014, you can still see the number reaching it peak as teams realize the value of the three pointer.

See if you can find anything in the evolution of your favorite team!