(Not sure if the title reads as “this an infographic about LeBron’s efficiency in his prime” or “this the most efficient infographic you will ever see on LeBron” but it works.)
How did LeBron James transform himself into the 35-points-on-14-shots beast and help the Miami Heat win two titles? Kirk Goldsberry tells the story masterfully, using his trademark shooting hexmaps. The maps themselves are efficient; fitting as they show how LeBron has gotten better even as his athleticism slip away.
To me, this graphic satisfies all of Tufte’s tenants and the basic principles of design. It shows LeBron’s evolution in a blatant and easily understandable manner , without any filler. The numbers literally talk to you — there a quotes bubbles that explain what each significant stat means — and the font has a comic-sans touch that make it feel easier to read.
Goldsberry names his sources, one first reference, and leaves links for readers to go on do their research. Or fact check him. Either way, he’s still holding himself accountable for all the info in the graphic and the article.
Although colorful, the graphics are not decoration for the article. They help expand our perception. Reading the numbers on a table may do LeBron justice, but Goldsberry’s maps give you a different scope on the data. . . like a good infographic is supposed to.