What CAR is and isn't
Output above a replaceable player
CAR measures how far a player's output rises above the 25th-percentile qualifying player at the same position, inside the same league and season. A replacement-level player scores zero.
Player signal, not team record
The model favors role-specific shares, efficiency measures, direct lane comparisons, and output against expectation. Champion effects are estimated inside role, region, and season and removed before components are combined.
The honest limits
CAR cannot directly see shotcalling, draft, communication, practice-room contribution, or every form of role sacrifice. Figures are not cross-league comparable. The number opens the argument; film and context close it.