Dimitrije Curcic

Dimitrije Curcic
Dimitrije Curcic has been playing basketball for over 22 years. Like Manu Ginobili, he’s a left-hander whose moves led him to a better career-shooting percentage than the Argentine himself. After playing professionally for 10 years, Dimitrije moved to coaching for two seasons before he became a basketball statistician for StatScore, and FanSided contributor for the San Antonio Spurs. Dimitrije loves to tell hoop stories through numbers and graphics and has been featured on Fansided, FiveThirtyEight, Eurohoops, and TalkBasket among the others.

Articles

Olympic Basketball: Expert Predictions and Aftermath
Olympic Basketball: Expert Predictions and Aftermath

After an unpredictable 2019 World Cup in China, we decided to once again gather the opinions of top basketball journalists for the Olympic tournament in Tokyo. 83 basketball journalists and analysts a[…]

Female athletes are invisible to fans (2,117 people survey)
Female athletes are invisible to fans (2,117 people survey)

RunRepeat, in partnership with Beyond Sport, surveyed 2,117 people about their role models in sports. Our hypothesis was that historical media dominance and promotion of male athletes will result in m[…]

Gloomy Future for Domestic Players in EuroLeague
Gloomy Future for Domestic Players in EuroLeague

After analyzing the influence and continued growth of American players in the EuroLeague, we decided to look at the evolution of domestic players in the highest European basketball competition. We ana[…]

Unexpected Benefits of the NBA Bubble [injury analysis]
Unexpected Benefits of the NBA Bubble [injury analysis]

172 games were played in the Orland bubble, 89 seeding, and 83 playoff games. We analyzed the first 89 games of each of the past 5 seasons (corresponding with 89 bubble seeding games), along with 5 pr[…]

"American" EuroLeague: 119% more USA players after 20 seasons
"American" EuroLeague: 119% more USA players after 20 seasons

We analyzed 2,581 players from 85 Euroleague teams from 2000-01 to 2019-20 season. The focus was on players from the USA, and their continued growth over the years. Summary: USA players dominate the E[…]

82 Stats on Dunks in the NBA
82 Stats on Dunks in the NBA

"I always used slam-dunking as a tool for intimidation." - Dominique Wilkins The purpose of this page is to provide detailed stats about dunks in the NBA league. Feel free to use this information as l[…]

FIBA WC 2019 Quarterfinals - Visualized
FIBA WC 2019 Quarterfinals - Visualized

We decided to dive into statistics and create visual head-to-head comparisons of the World Cup quarterfinalists. Radar charts are created for easier H2H comparison of the opposing teams through offens[…]

FIBA World Cup 2019 - Journalist Roundup
FIBA World Cup 2019 - Journalist Roundup

We conducted a 7-day survey among journalists from 32 countries participating in the basketball World Cup. The journalists gave us answers to 12 questions regarding team and individual performances on[…]

NBA salaries analysis (1991-2022)
NBA salaries analysis (1991-2022)

We spent 3 months collecting and analyzing 15,161 NBA salaries of 2,516 NBA players from 1990-91 to 2021-22 season. The research presents the most comprehensive analysis of salaries in the NBA league.[…]

NBA Team Values Analysis
NBA Team Values Analysis

In 2022, the value of NBA teams is $74.4 billion in total. Even though the Covid-19 outbreak affected the league by reducing the league's revenue by 19%, NBA teams' value increased by 11.7%. We analyz[…]

Shortest vs Tallest NBA Player -Dive Into the Extremes of the NBA
Shortest vs Tallest NBA Player -Dive Into the Extremes of the NBA

Will you have a better playing career if you are the shortest or tallest NBA player? It seems logical that the game played "above the rim" should be more suitable for the "giants". However, we did an[…]

150 Basketball Movies - the Ultimate Guide
150 Basketball Movies - the Ultimate Guide

"Basketball is like poetry in motion; cross the guy to the left, take him back to the right, he's fallin back, then just J right in his face. Then you look at him and say, "What?" " - Jesus Shuttleswo[…]

The Most Popular Euroleague Teams
The Most Popular Euroleague Teams

Summary: Fans of Euroleague teams fill 68% of their arenas capacities on average Only 2 teams (Zalgiris and Maccabi) gather more than 90% of their arena's capacity 7 teams in total have above the aver[…]

70 Years of Height Evolution in the NBA [4,504 players analyzed]
70 Years of Height Evolution in the NBA [4,504 players analyzed]

“You can’t teach height” - Red Auerbach We spent 2 months analyzing 24,841 records of 4,504 NBA players during 69 NBA seasons in order to show how the game of basketball evolved thro[…]

Guides

High-top vs. Low-top Basketball Shoes
High-top vs. Low-top Basketball Shoes

After spending over 100 hours summarizing 30 scientific studies and analyzing over 450 models from RunRepeat’s shoe database, we’re delivering an ultimate guide that will answer all of you[…]

Best cheap Nike basketball shoes
Best cheap Nike basketball shoes

Nike is second to none when it comes to popularity and dominance in the basketball shoe market. To further widen their reach, they release signature shoes of LeBron, Kyrie, Kobe, and KD at lower price[…]

Best New Balance basketball shoes
Best New Balance basketball shoes

The limited (high-quality) lineup of New Balance basketball shoes is perfect for players who can do it all. Instead of saturating the market with a good quantity of basketball footwear, the NB brand o[…]

Best low top Nike basketball shoes
Best low top Nike basketball shoes

The Nike brand is the undisputed king of basketball shoes. In fact, more than 80% of the professional players playing in the NBA today are wearing Nike shoes, with legendary names like Lebron James, K[…]

Best basketball shoes for ankle support
Best basketball shoes for ankle support

No amount of ankle collar in a basketball shoe can prevent ankle sprains! If you experience pain, discomfort, or instability in your ankles, DO SEEK professional advice from a physician before purchas[…]

Best outdoor basketball shoes
Best outdoor basketball shoes

Basketball is largely an indoor sport. Officially, it is played on well-maintained hardwood courts, which is why brands primarily design basketball shoes for indoor use. With that, we consider it a hu[…]

Best basketball shoes for women
Best basketball shoes for women

The past couple of years were marked by a rapid rise of interest in women’s basketball. Is it due to the Caitlin Clark effect? Or the spectacular success of Sabrina Ionescu’s signature Nik[…]

Best Jordan basketball shoes
Best Jordan basketball shoes

Michael Jordan was a Nike athlete until he became too much to handle and the name "Jordan" became a brand of its own. Now a separately operated company, the Jordan brand keeps on producing the illustr[…]

Best PUMA basketball shoes
Best PUMA basketball shoes

Nike (together with its subsidiary Jordan) and Adidas have long been the most dominant players in the basketball shoe market. However, this did not stop PUMA from re-entering the game in 2018 after ar[…]

Best basketball shoes for wide feet
Best basketball shoes for wide feet

Like any other type of shoes, basketball kicks work best if they fit perfectly. Unfortunately, there are quite a few wide-footed players who are forced to go at least half a size up just to fit the ba[…]

Best Adidas basketball shoes
Best Adidas basketball shoes

Adidas is a trusted brand when it comes to sportswear. The Three Stripes’ basketball shoes and other apparel always go neck to neck with the competing Nike products. Even though Adidas' hoop sho[…]

Best Nike Lebron basketball shoes
Best Nike Lebron basketball shoes

LeBron James isn’t called ‘The King’ for nothing. His signature basketball shoes dominate the market as much as he dominates the court. With lots of LeBron models available on the ma[…]

Best Nike basketball shoes
Best Nike basketball shoes

When it comes to sports footwear, Nike leads. This holds true even in performance basketball, where the brand and its subsidiary, Jordan, hold more than 80% of the market. This makes quite an extensiv[…]

Best cheap basketball shoes
Best cheap basketball shoes

Getting more for less is always appealing. Because of this, brands such as Adidas, Under Armour, and even industry leader Nike make cheap basketball shoes available for everyone. We have tested cheap[…]

Best low top basketball shoes
Best low top basketball shoes

Basketball shoes are often said to be better off as high tops because the high collar is there for more stability. However, scientific evidence does not support this notion. Low-top basketball shoes a[…]

Best basketball shoes
Best basketball shoes

Basketball involves running, jumping, quick stops, and abrupt direction changes. Regular athletic sneakers can support some of these movements, but only the right basketball shoes can handle them all.[…]

Lab tests and in-depth reviews

Nike G.T. Cut 4
82
Good!

Even though we have tested countless basketball shoes, no other can compare with the otherworldly underfoot feeling of the G.T. Cut 4. The ZoomX and Air Zoom Strobel work hand-in-hand to offer incredi[…]

Nike Book 2
67
Bad!

With the coolest Kobe-like aesthetics and the trendiest sneaker vibes, the Book 2 felt more like a show-off pair than an actual performer. Still, it features a wonderfully reactive forefoot thanks to[…]

Adidas Dame X
89
Great!

Saying that the Dame X is a takedown model of Lillard's hoopers doesn't tell the whole story. Showing off its amazingly supportive structure and unbeatable indoor traction, this shoe encouraged us to[…]

Adidas Harden Volume 10
93
Superb!

The Adidas Harden shoe series is one of the most consistent and predictable in terms of design and overall performance. We found that the Volume 10 resembles its predecessor both on foot and in the la[…]

New Balance Hesi Low v2
83
Good!

Being able to stop on a dime is essential in a hesi move, and the New Balance Hesi Low v2 ensures exactly that. Our lab tests confirmed the shoe's excellent outsole grip and side-to-side stability, wh[…]

New Balance Fresh Foam BB v3
86
Good!

The New Balance Fresh Foam BB v3 remains a gentle giant thanks to its high stack and copious Fresh Foam cushioning. We felt its comfort-first approach from the very first step, and our lab tests confi[…]

Nike G.T. Future
76
Bad!

We won't deny the fact that the Nike G.T. Future is a bold, show-stopping shoe that won't go unnoticed. And it returned some truly impressive results in our lab tests, too, with its shock absorption b[…]

Nike LeBron Witness 9
85
Good!

It's not just a boring $100 shoe; it's an affordable option from The King LeBron's signature series that ticks all the crucial boxes to help beginner and recreational players feel confident. Of course[…]

Nike Giannis Freak 7
85
Good!

As the Freak 7's budget retail price and downgraded construction suggest, the Giannis Freak series has been removed from Nike's high-end signature shoe lineups. But we are glad that the brand at least[…]

PUMA All Pro Nitro 2
78
Decent!

Despite its revamped upper and visual appearance, our lab tests showed that the PUMA All Pro Nitro 2's performance is mainly similar to that of its predecessor. We didn't observe any significant impro[…]

Jordan Luka 77
87
Great!

The Jordan Luka. 77 proved that it is not merely a cheaper, step-down version of the flagship Luka series; it is a design on its own that shines on the blacktop. The level of durability, traction, and[…]

Jordan Zion 4
82
Good!

We were delighted to see that the new Jordan Zion 4 introduced some quality upgrades to its cushioning, offering more impact protection but also feeling notably bouncier. Spreading the Air Zoom unit a[…]

Nike A'One
84
Good!

The first A'ja Wilson signature shoe blew us away with its unexpectedly outstanding performance at a moderate price point. Even though Nike made some sacrifices in the quality and durability of the ma[…]

Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7
92
Superb!

We appreciate how the Adidas D.O.N. Issue 7 inherits the best design features of its predecessor while improving the areas that needed it the most. The shoe still packs immense stability and ankle sup[…]

Jordan Luka 4
91
Superb!

The Jordan Luka 4 is a truly impressive offering for guards and forwards who want a light and nimble shoe without any compromises in stability. Its grounded and supportive profile perfectly accommodat[…]

Adidas Anthony Edwards 2
91
Superb!

The Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 performed well across the board, building upon the first iteration's successful legacy. But at the same time, the new version felt like 'win some, lose some' with its incr[…]

Jordan Tatum 4
89
Great!

Although the Jordan Tatum 4 showed controversial results in our lab tests, we found it a worthwhile update to the Tatum series. Catering to light and nimble players, this shoe moves easily and effortl[…]

Nike G.T. Cut 3 Turbo
86
Good!

Our lab tests confirmed that the Nike G.T. Cut 3 Turbo introduced some significant upgrades to the regular G.T. Cut 3. Namely, the incredible energy return that grants an explosive ride thanks to Nike[…]

Air Jordan 40
88
Great!

Jordan had no right to mess up the anniversary release of the Air Jordan series, and we are delighted to report that they, in fact, did not! The AJ40 fixed everything that was wrong with the AJ39's la[…]

Nike Sabrina 3
91
Superb!

The Nike Sabrina 3 retains that light, nimble, and low-to-the-court profile that agile hoopers have grown to love so much. Our lab tests confirmed yet again that the shoe clearly prioritizes court fee[…]

Nike KD 18
89
Great!

Nike introduced minimal updates in the KD 18, making it feel like a slightly improved version of the old KD rather than a brand-new shoe. That's great news for hoopers who enjoyed the well-rounded per[…]

Nike LeBron 23
83
Good!

As one of Nike's most elite signature shoes, the LeBron 23 keeps hitting all the high marks in our lab tests. But this time around, it takes energy return to another level, becoming one of the bouncie[…]

Nike LeBron Witness 8
82
Good!

The Witness 8 symbolizes a wonderful improvement on this budget line from LeBron. For a fair price, you get pretty good cushioning (plus an Air Max unit at the heel!) and fantastic traction even on du[…]

Nike Sabrina 2
90
Great!

Much like its older sibling, the Sabrina 1, this second iteration is here to create another revolution. Its top-tier performance and playability made us want to play with it over and over again, just[…]

Nike LeBron 22
88
Great!

The LeBron XXII brings back its old aesthetics to become a dream come true for bigger players, centers and power forwards alike! This hooper offered top tier traction and an incredibly supportive stru[…]

Nike Ja 2
89
Great!

Morant is back with another solid hooper. The Ja 2 is a low-profile shoe that offers wonderful traction and court feel for the fastest guards. Its lightweight yet springy build accompanied our most ex[…]

Adidas Dame 9
91
Superb!

Damian Lillard has brought us another wonderful performer for the court. The Dame 9 features a wonderfully supportive and stable structure that let us go for the riskier moves during our wear tests, a[…]

Adidas D.O.N. Issue #6
91
Superb!

After our wear and lab tests, we can say the D.O.N. Issue #6 stands at the top of this series. Its supportive structure offered us wonderful containment, and its unbelievably sticky outsole maintained[…]

Adidas Harden Vol. 9
90
Great!

The Vol. 8 was already a reliable solid performer, but it seems the Vol. 9 is here to double it up! It keeps the same solid and trustworthy design, featuring a durable yet breathable structure that of[…]

Adidas Anthony Edwards 1 Low
91
Superb!

The Anthony Edwards 1 Low managed to leave us open-mouthed after our wear and lab tests. Its solid upper offered us wonderful containment and durability, so it was ready for our most aggressive plays.[…]

Jordan One Take 5
81
Good!

If there's a shoe that will give your feet a bear hug, is the Jordan One Take 5. We felt confident and safe during our games, as its tight structure and triple top eyelet made sure our feet didn't mov[…]

Nike Giannis Freak 6
83
Good!

The Giannis Freak 6 is back to be every player's cup of tea. Its versatility lets it fit different playstyles, as it feels fast yet stable on foot. No matter if you post-play a lot or if you're more o[…]

Nike Giannis Immortality 4
84
Good!

The Giannis Immortality 4 is the new member of the budget that doesn't feel like a budget line of Nike. Its incredible support and stability favor hoopers with a quick playstyle. As it maintains the s[…]

New Balance TWO WXY V5
89
Great!

The TWO WXY V5 is one of the safest bets you could possibly find. Its wonderful versatility and playability adapt smoothly to the different basketball positions, and it worked wonders on outdoor and i[…]

Air Jordan XXXIX
88
Great!

The tale of the Air Jordan XXXIX is the one of what could have been but never was. We felt we could reach the skies just like Jordan did thanks to the incredible bounce and energy return we felt every[…]

New Balance Fresh Foam BB v2
85
Good!

New Balance is back with another hooper that features its wonderful Fresh Foam cushioning. The Fresh Foam BB v2 offers insane impact protection, and its structure is comfortable from the very first mi[…]

New Balance Kawhi IV
83
Good!

What might as well be our favorite Kawhi pair so far is here to show us what real comfort is! These Jordan kicks offered a super plush feel and padded interiors that made us play comfortably, which co[…]

Jordan Zion 3
65
Bad!

The Zions are back and ready to absolutely break with everything you had seen before in their line! This third iteration features a reinforced and durable upper that offers a snug fit and a wonderful[…]

Nike G.T. Cut Academy
88
Great!

The G.T. Cut Academy is the takedown model of the Nike G.T. Cut 3, but its affordable price tag comes full of advantages! This Nike pair features a tough upper and extra eyelets at the top that offer[…]

Nike G.T. Hustle 3
82
Good!

The G.T. Hustle 3 breaks completely with the previous iteration, offering an incredibly breathable and cushioned structure. We couldn't get enough of its wonderful Nike technologies (Zoom Air) during[…]

Under Armour Curry 11
90
Great!

The Curry 11 is here as a revolutionary update compared with the previous models. Its now solidified upper offers durability and breathability, apart from great support. The external heel counter adds[…]

Jordan Luka 3
89
Great!

The Luka 3 is here to turn the hoopers' world upside down. Its flexible and accommodating structure breaks with the past stiffer versions, providing smooth transitions and movements that require const[…]

Nike KD 17
88
Great!

Get ready to reap not only souls but also hearts with Kevin Durant's new signature shoe, the KD 17. This Nike model offers incredible support thanks to its exoskeleton structure and TPU details. Addit[…]

Nike Precision 7
82
Good!

We couldn't believe our eyes when we read the Precision 7 is a budget shoe from Nike. It performed incredibly well and got fantastic scores in our lab and wear tests! Its upper mixes durability and br[…]

Nike Sabrina 1
86
Good!

Sabrina Ionescu, a well-known WNBA star, has finally launched her first signature shoe, and it's an incredibly solid model! This pair's great success has been demonstrated by our lab and wear tests, a[…]

Nike Book 1
89
Great!

The Nike Book 1 is the first signature shoe for Devin Booker, and it couldn't get any more stylish than that! The First Chapter of what we expect to be many more, we found this hooper to be the ideal[…]

Jordan Tatum 2
86
Good!

When the Tatum 2 came out, we could definitely tell that Jordan listened to its customers. This shoe's structure has not only improved regarding its outsole coverage and traction but also its overall[…]

Nike LeBron 21
87
Great!

LeBron shoes create a lot of hype in general, but the 21 is absolutely worth the energy. With Zoom Turbo in the forefoot, a shank in the midfoot, and Zoom Air in the heel, its cushioning system is spo[…]

Nike G.T. Hustle 2
86
Good!

Aptly named, the Nike G.T. Hustle 2 is meant for light players whose playing style involves a lot of running on the court. Our playtests confirmed that the shoe inherits the fast-moving personality of[…]

Nike G.T. Cut 3
88
Great!

Nike went for a total revamp of the G.T. Cut 3 introducing it as the first-ever basketball shoe to use the cutting-edge ZoomX cushioning foam. This ultra-soft and responsive foam teamed up with the sh[…]

Nike G.T. Jump 2
87
Great!

True to its name, the Nike G.T. Jump 2 really knows how to maximize your jumps. We are in awe of its innovative cushioning setup which loaded our takeoffs with the most explosive power! Not to mention[…]

Puma All Pro Nitro
90
Great!

Our test games and lab assessments reveal that the PUMA All Pro Nitro is a dependable basketball shoe, even on outdoor courts (occasionally). We were happy with the comfort, grip, stability, and speed[…]

Adidas Dame Certified
86
Good!

Damian Lillard has finally released a budget signature shoe, and we couldn't be any happier with the results it got in our tests! We've found it's incredibly durable, stable, comfortable, and ready fo[…]

New Balance TWO WXY V4
84
Good!

We believe that the TWO WXY V4 from New Balance is a safe pick because it satisfactorily checks all of the hoop shoe essentials. While it does not excel in any performance aspects aside from durabilit[…]

Reebok Blast
78
Decent!

The Reebok Blast is a retro silhouette from the '90s that undoubtedly charmed us. Even though it is now a Classics sneaker and belongs to people's shoe collections, we were pleasantly surprised with i[…]

Reebok Question Mid
87
Great!

The Reebok Question Mid is a timeless Allen Iverson silhouette. Its visual appeal and comfy interiors are certainly what initially captured us. Due to this, we were perfectly confident in using it eve[…]

Under Armour Lockdown 6
90
Great!

The Under Armour Lockdown 6 is among the cheapest models that we tried from the brand. Even though it doesn't scream performance, the shoe has all the basics and we recommend it for players who are on[…]

PUMA Rise Nitro
85
Good!

For a moderately-priced basketball shoe, the PUMA Rise Nitro proved to be an excellent value for money. We found it to be a well-balanced option that suits various types of players. Based on our wear[…]

Nike Lebron Witness 7
89
Great!

In our opinion, up to a certain extent, the LeBron Witness 7 is practically just the Nike LeBron 20 but less pricey and more suitable for outdoor use. From aspects that are truly important such as tra[…]

Nike Lebron NXXT GEN
89
Great!

The Nike LeBron NXXT Gen is a badass shoe, we just have to be very clear on this. As a lightened version of the LeBron 20, it fuses LeBron's famous impact protection with an excellent ground feel whic[…]

Nike Cosmic Unity 3
79
Decent!

The Nike Cosmic Unity 3 is an investment that will give a lot of returns. We believe that this is the case where a high price tag is absolutely justified. For us, this shoe is an instant top pick in t[…]

PUMA MB.02
90
Great!

The PUMA MB.02 does many things right but we discovered that it truly shines when it comes to support. In fact, we claim it to be one of the most supportive shoes on our list! Bigger players who rely[…]

Nike Air Max Impact 4
84
Good!

We are delighted with the Nike Air Max Impact 4 as it managed to go beyond the already high standards set by the Air Max Impact 3 performance-wise. Traction, cushioning, support, and comfort - we foun[…]

Nike Lebron 20
94
Superb!

The LeBron 20 definitely looks much more toned down, so it is visually different from the previous Nike LeBrons; yet, we found its performance as big as ever. It serves our needs for not only a lot of[…]

Adidas Dame 8
89
Great!

The Adidas Dame 8 is another shoe from the Damian Lillard series that delivers on aspects that matter. It is supportive, bouncy, and light, and offers a decent amount of court feel. However, we found[…]