"Team USA basketball: Rebounding concern looms as Americans enter FIBA World Cup knockout stages"

Team USA's struggles in the FIBA World Cup are due in part to their poor rebounding, particularly from starting center Jaren Jackson Jr.

Team USA's performance in the knockout stage of the 2023 FIBA World Cup has brought attention to a significant issue: rebounding. Starting center Jaren Jackson Jr., who was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year, has only managed to grab one rebound in the team's games against Montenegro and Lithuania. This lack of rebounding has been a common factor in both games, particularly on the defensive end. While this cannot solely be attributed to Jackson, his struggles as the team's starting center are evident.

To illustrate the problem, let's take a look at the numbers. In the game against Montenegro, Team USA secured only 8 offensive rebounds and 31 total rebounds, while Montenegro managed to grab 23 offensive rebounds and 49 total rebounds. The second-chance points also heavily favored Montenegro with 22 points compared to Team USA's 8. A similar pattern emerged in the game against Lithuania, with Team USA securing 9 offensive rebounds and 27 total rebounds, while Lithuania managed 18 offensive rebounds and 43 total rebounds. Lithuania also had 17 second-chance points compared to Team USA's 9.

Head coach Steve Kerr expressed his concerns about turnovers and rebounds, emphasizing the importance of staying even in the possession game. He believes that extra possessions and turnovers can be detrimental to the team's chances of winning. The players have been made aware of this and the need to be sharp, box out, and prevent opponents from gaining extra opportunities.

The rebounding struggles can be partly attributed to Team USA's roster construction. Jackson is better suited as a power forward, and the team lacks true big men apart from Bobby Portis, another power forward, and Walker Kessler, one of the youngest players on the team. In the current starting lineup, Jackson is the only player taller than 6-foot-6, putting them at a size disadvantage, especially against European teams with more traditional frontcourts.

An example of this disadvantage can be seen in the game against Montenegro, where Nikola Vucevic grabbed two offensive rebounds. Jackson was pulled away from the rim, leaving players like Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards to defend against Vucevic. The result was predictable. There have also been instances where Team USA has been outworked, as seen in the final play of the third quarter against Lithuania. Despite having all five players in the paint, Mindaugas Kuzminskas managed to secure the loose ball and score at the buzzer.

To overcome these rebounding challenges, Team USA needs to rely on Jackson to set the tone as the starting center, despite not being known for his rebounding abilities. However, when Jackson is away from the rim, either due to perimeter defense or challenging shots, the rest of the team must step up and help fill the gap. Plays like the one involving Kuzminskas should not occur.

It may also be worth considering giving Portis or Kessler more playing time. Based on their performances in the 2022-23 NBA season, they are statistically the team's best rebounders. However, they currently rank 10th and 12th in minutes played, respectively. While this is understandable considering Coach Kerr's preferred style of play, a personnel change may be necessary if Team USA continues to struggle with rebounding. Portis, in particular, has experience in big games, can stretch the floor, and always gives maximum effort.

Team USA's next opportunity to improve their rebounding will come in the quarterfinals against Italy. Italy has been one of the better rebounding teams in the tournament, averaging 11.4 offensive rebounds per game. While Team USA may have a talent advantage over their opponents, it is crucial to remember that in international tournaments, talent alone is not enough. The little things, such as rebounding, play a significant role in determining success.

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