Kirk Goldsberry

Kirk Goldsberry is a cartographer-turned-basketball analyst recognized for his application of spatial analytics to NBA data, particularly in mapping shooting location, frequency, and success. Goldsberry is noted for his contributions to basketball analytics and his role in the advanced metrics movement within the sport. He earned a Ph.D. from UC-Santa Barbara, where he studied cartography and data visualization, as well as a master's degree from UCSB and a bachelor's degree from Penn State in earth science and geography.

Goldsberry's entry into basketball analytics began with his presentation at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, where he introduced "CourtVision: New Visual and Spatial Analytics for the NBA." This work proposed new methods for creating shot charts using NBA shooting data and suggested that analyzing the range of successful field goal attempts could enhance player evaluation. Following this, Goldsberry contributed to the NBA Finals Preview at the New York Times and later joined Grantland in a part-time role. His integration of shot charts with analytical breakdowns of NBA players appeared regularly at Grantland, FiveThirtyEight, and other ESPN platforms. At Harvard, Goldsberry designed and co-taught the first geography course offered since the university eliminated the discipline in the 1940s.

Goldsberry's expertise led to positions as head analyst for Team USA Basketball and as vice president of strategic research for the San Antonio Spurs. After leaving the Spurs, he authored the book "Sprawlball," which became a New York Times bestseller. "Sprawlball" uses visuals and statistical analysis to explore changes in the NBA, focusing on players such as Steph Curry and James Harden. Goldsberry later published "Hoop Atlas," a book featuring graphics and statistical analyses that examine how NBA superstars like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic have influenced the evolution of professional basketball. The book includes shot maps and illustrations that provide insight into the NBA's transformation over the past thirty years.

Goldsberry serves as an NBA analyst at The Ringer and is the executive director of the Sports Business Institute at the University of Texas. He also teaches sports analytics at the McCombs School of Business. Goldsberry's work bridges academic research, professional basketball operations, and sports media, offering accessible insights into basketball analytics, data visualization, and strategy.