Team USA Basketball: Crashing the Boards – An Urgent Need for Rebounding Reinforcement

Rebounding Concerns for Team USA in FIBA World Cup Knockout Stages

An Overview

The United States men’s basketball team, commonly known as Team USA, is facing a major concern as they enter the knockout stages of the FIBA World Cup. Rebounding, or lack thereof, has been a significant issue for the American team in their recent games against Montenegro and Lithuania. Despite their dominant performance in the group stage, where they won games with an average margin of victory of 36.3 points, Team USA’s weakness on the glass has been exposed in the second round.

Starting center Jaren Jackson Jr., the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has recorded only one rebound in the two second-round games combined. This abysmal performance raises questions about his effectiveness as the team’s starting five-man. The Americans’ struggle on the defensive end, particularly in rebounding, has been a common denominator in both games.

In their game against Montenegro, Team USA secured 31 rebounds compared to Montenegro’s 49. This rebounding disadvantage resulted in Montenegro gaining 22 second-chance points. Similarly, in their loss to Lithuania, Team USA managed only 27 rebounds compared to Lithuania’s 43, allowing Lithuania to score 17 second-chance points.

The Impact of Roster Building

The issue of rebounding for Team USA can partially be attributed to the roster construction. Jackson, who is primarily a power forward, is the tallest player in the current starting lineup, standing at over 6-foot-6. With Bobby Portis and Walker Kessler as the only other big men on the team, both of whom are power forwards, the team often finds themselves at a severe size disadvantage against opponents with more traditional frontcourts, particularly European teams.

This roster construction hinders the team’s ability to secure rebounds, as was evident in a play against Montenegro when Nikola Vucevic grabbed offensive rebounds while Jackson was pulled away from the rim. Jackson’s absence near the rim left smaller players, such as Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards, to contend with Vucevic, resulting in a favorable outcome for Montenegro.

Furthermore, there have been instances where Team USA was simply outworked on the boards, exemplified by Lithuania’s final play of the third quarter. Despite all five American players being in the paint, Mindaugas Kuzminskas managed to secure a loose ball after numerous tips and scored a crucial basket at the buzzer.

The Importance of Rebounding for Team USA’s Success

Team USA’s small-ball approach provides them with advantages in various areas of the game. However, in order to be successful in this tournament, they must address their rebounding issues. This starts with Jackson, who needs to set the tone as the starting center, even though rebounding is not his forte. It is crucial for him to be present near the rim and make an impact on the boards.

However, when Jackson is not available near the rim due to defensive assignments or challenges at the basket, the rest of the team must step up and support him in rebounding. Costly plays like Kuzminskas’ late-game rebound and score cannot be allowed to happen if Team USA wants to win.

Considering the statistical performance in the 2022-23 NBA season, it might be worth considering giving Portis or Kessler more extended minutes. Despite being 10th and 12th in minutes played respectively, they statistically rank as the team’s best rebounders. Portis, in particular, brings experience from big games, versatility in stretching the floor, and an unwavering commitment to putting in maximum effort.

The Way Forward

Team USA’s first opportunity to improve their rebounding will come in the quarterfinal game against Italy. Italy has demonstrated their proficiency on the boards throughout the tournament, making them a challenging opponent in this regard. The United States may possess superior talent compared to their remaining competitors, but as history has shown in international tournaments, talent alone is not enough.

In shorter games played on smaller courts, against seasoned opponents, the little things make a significant difference. Rebounding is one such crucial aspect. Team USA must address their rebounding concerns, focusing on both individual and collective efforts, to increase their chances of winning the FIBA World Cup.

As head coach Steve Kerr emphasized, minimizing turnovers and winning the battle of possessions will be crucial for Team USA’s success. By being sharp, boxing out, and improving their rebounding, they can prevent opponents from gaining extra possessions and capitalize on their talent advantage.

In conclusion, Team USA’s rebounding issues pose a significant concern as they enter the knockout stages of the FIBA World Cup. Roster construction, individual performances, and collective efforts all play vital roles in addressing this concern. By making the necessary adjustments and improving their rebounding, Team USA can enhance their chances of victory and maintain their status as a basketball powerhouse on the international stage.