Former NBA Scorekeeper Admits to Juicing Stars’ Stats in the ’90s

In a shocking revelation, former NBA scorekeeper Alex Rucker has come forward to admit that during the 1990s, he manipulated player statistics. Rucker, who served as a scorekeeper for the Vancouver Grizzlies, shed light on a practice that raises eyebrows and questions the integrity of the game.

During an appearance on ESPN’s Pablo Torre Finds Out, Rucker candidly revealed that he was trained to inflate star players’ stats. This meant inaccurately crediting assists, rebounds, and other performance metrics. The goal? To enhance the entertainment value of NBA games.

Former Grizzlies scorekeeper turned Sixers exec Alex Rucker ADMITS to juicing NBA stats in the 90's — and says that the practice was "reinforced internally within the Grizzlies." 😳

"There's a discussion, 'That wasn't an assist, that was a pass.' … And the majority opinion by… pic.twitter.com/luln2ACGU3

— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) February 27, 2024

Rucker’s admission underscores a fundamental truth: the NBA is not just a sports league; it’s an entertainment business. Fans crave excitement, jaw-dropping plays, and larger-than-life performances. By juicing stats, scorekeepers inadvertently contributed to the drama that kept viewers glued to their screens.

Rucker’s confession serves as a reminder that sports, like any form of entertainment, involves a delicate balance between authenticity and showmanship. While we appreciate the raw talent of athletes, we also crave the magic that keeps us coming back for more.

So, the next time you marvel at a player’s triple-double or a game-winning shot, remember that somewhere in the annals of NBA history, a scorekeeper might have added an extra assist or rebound to heighten the drama.