Instead of “In short, RAPM has made me appreciate the importance of asking, before all else – how can my actions most positively contribute to whatever I am trying to achieve.”, I think that should be “whatever we are trying to achieve”.
Isn’t the message that some of those high-scoring/high blocking players do better for themselves than for the team?
That player who rarely blocks a shot because opponents do not dare try shooting will be less famous and, likely, less well paid than the star who makes the spectacular dunks, even if that slightly increases the risk of failing to score.
Your last point perfectly encapsulates the value of a shutdown corner in American Football. Their counting stats (interception, passes defended, tackles) are generally very low, but they are one of the most valuable player archetypes in the sport. A good one can make the other team’s top wide receiver a complete non-factor because the QB rarely even throws to his side of the field. To even get that receiver involved requires scheming around freeing him from that coverage, which tacitly allows the defense to dictate how the offense calls plays.
You've come across the problem with basketball. The highlight reels are worth just as many points as any other play, and many have expected values that are lower than more mundane plays.
I think it depends on what one considers the purpose of basketball to be. For entertainment and spectacle, high-box-score players are worth more. For pure team competition, RAPM is worth more. The latter is important because you generally want to win, but the former is what really draws fans in.
Instead of “In short, RAPM has made me appreciate the importance of asking, before all else – how can my actions most positively contribute to whatever I am trying to achieve.”, I think that should be “whatever we are trying to achieve”.
Isn’t the message that some of those high-scoring/high blocking players do better for themselves than for the team?
That player who rarely blocks a shot because opponents do not dare try shooting will be less famous and, likely, less well paid than the star who makes the spectacular dunks, even if that slightly increases the risk of failing to score.