Michael Lewis had an article a few years ago where he described this effect using Shane Battier as the example - none of his stats were spectacular, but somehow his team played better when he was on the court.  <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.nytimes.com&#x2F;2009&#x2F;02&#x2F;15&#x2F;magazine&#x2F;15Battier-t.html" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.nytimes.com&#x2F;2009&#x2F;02&#x2F;15&#x2F;magazine&#x2F;15Battier-t.html</a>