How the Los Angeles Clippers can bounce back from a disappointing start
Los Angeles Clippers: Grab the rebound!
Although the game of basketball has undoubtedly evolved over the years, one constant that remains is the importance of rebounding to the outcome of the game. The L.A. Clippers are dismal overall when it comes to securing the rebound, and their record reflects this fact. Outside of starting center Ivica Zubac, the team does have one player averaging 6 rebounds or more per game, and that is Paul George.
Overall, the team ranks 23rd in the NBA in rebounds per game at 42.1 boards per contest. This means that their opponent is getting a disproportionate amount of second-chance opportunities every night by grabbing offensive rebounds and getting a chance to take another shot attempt before the possession is over. If the Clippers were to increase their efforts on the glass, their opponents’ shot attempts would be limited, and their overall defense would improve by default.
On the offensive side of the glass, the team’s rebounding woes are even worse. They are dead last in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game at 7.4 per contest. The lack of second shot attempts on offense means that the team has to rely on the unrealistic probability that they will shoot a higher percentage than their opponent on a nightly basis.
In today’s fast-paced game, it is not realistic to assume that all shots will be generated by great ball movement and open looks. Therefore, offensive rebounds and second chances are of increased importance. The franchise needs to consider trading pieces for more interior size. Currently, the forwards who receive the most playing time are Marcus Morris, Nicolas Batum, and Robert Covington.
These are all perimeter-oriented players, with Covington being considered a “three and D” stretch four. Zubac is their only true interior player, and that is a big part of the reason why they are getting killed on the glass. Getting outrebounded on a nightly basis is not a formula for success, but as they are currently constructed, the Clippers do not have a roster that can prevent this from happening.