I used it pretty much all the time though. What that does is give me a firmer baseline to fall back on mentally, since the numbers are consistent from player to player across teams. It makes it easier to look at stat X and locate it in the matrix of other players in a given tier or in general. Player eval at more-of-a-glance is what I’m pointing too I suppose. Obviously I look at the straight per-36 too, but the pace adjusted metrics are useful beyond just inter-team comparison shopping.

Another point I thought I’d make, since you’re pointing at USG% anway, is that looking at Offensive Rating (ORat) set next to USG% is even more useful. ORat (for those of you following along at home) is a player efficiency metric (like PER kinda, but offense only). Being able to set efficiency next to USG% gives us a really good picture of where a player might have room for growth.

Guys with high ORats can more often sustain an increase in USG% without crapping the bed. Not everyone obviously, as there are lots of players who’s game and skill set is specifically high efficiency/low USG%. Even those guys tbhough, often bigs , have a more predictable transition to starting roles in many cases. Gortat is the poster boy there, but there are lots of examples.

The best part is that Basketball Reference lists ORat right next to USG%, so it’s an easy once glance thing either way.