Have Sixers done enough to address their defensive rebounding problem?

Have Sixers done enough to address their defensive rebounding problem? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 2024-25 Sixers will begin training camp on Oct. 1 in the Bahamas.

As that date approaches, we’ll dive into several significant topics for the team in Nick Nurse’s second season as head coach.

First, we looked at what the Sixers will be able to depend on this season.

Next up: Have the Sixers done enough to address their defensive rebounding problem? 

The most optimistic slant on this question has to start with Andre Drummond.

By every metric, he’s long been a historically elite rebounder. And while Drummond will (again) play behind seven-time All-Star Joel Embiid, he’s used to posting sizable rebounding numbers in backup minutes. He averaged 9.0 rebounds last season with the Bulls in 17.1 minutes per contest.

“I think that’s why I’m here — to eliminate a lot of those issues,” Drummond said in July. “I’m happy to be valued in that sense, to see the bigger picture. Not just be here for the season, but see my skill set for the playoffs. I’m excited for that.”

How about the Sixers’ other summer pickups?

It’s not his calling card, but Paul George has consistently been a good defensive rebounder. Per Cleaning the Glass, Caleb Martin has been slightly above league average among NBA forwards the last two seasons in defensive rebounding rate off missed field goals.

Guerschon Yabusele is a big, physical power forward and Ricky Council IV is a strong, explosive player who generally rebounded well as a rookie. We’ll see how roles and minutes shake out for the Sixers’ bench, but it would be a bit surprising if defensive rebounding were a weakness for either Yabusele or Council.

As for the pessimistic side … veteran guards Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson haven’t tended to add a ton on the defensive glass. Health permitting, Tyrese Maxey will likely lead the Sixers in minutes per game — he averaged 44.5 last postseason — and the 23-year-old is a 6-foot-2 point guard who should sometimes value leaking out for potential fast breaks over wholehearted defensive rebounding…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/sixers-done-enough-address-defensive-181704860.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-09-16 18:17:04

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