On the Rebound

Here comes the first chapter in what I expect to be a long list of Daniel Approved Rule changes in sports. I’ll call it Daniel’s Rebounding Theory. It’s not so much a rule change as it is a way to properly count statistics in the game of basketball.

With the infusion of the internet into sports culture, it seems like we’ve come up with every possible measurable statistic, especially in basketball. From Player Efficiency Ratings to “Clutch” Field Goal Percentage, every tiny aspect of the game is being dissected. Yet somehow, one of the main statistical barometers remains unchanged

The Rebound.

Since the dawn of the NBA, when big, slow white guys like George Mikan and Bob Petit were pulling down boards, big men have always been judged by this statistic. Some people may say it’s a perfect stat; guy takes a shot, hits the rim, ball’s up in the air, the guy who comes down with it gets credited with the rebound. Easy, simple.

But some stats can be too simple, and here lies my main issue with the way rebounds are calculated. The way the modern game is played, a good portion of rebounds are completely uncontested. So many times, you’ll see one team (think Phoenix Suns) jack up a bunch of threes, with their center (think Channing Frye) hanging around the perimeter. If they miss the shot, there is often absolutely no one to even attempt to get the offensive board. Under Daniel’s Rebounding Theory, this type of rebound, the uncontested rebound, will count for only half of a rebound (stats are always calculated using a per game average anyways, so the decimals won’t make a difference).

All rebounds are not created equally. Under the DRT, all offensive rebounds and contested defensive rebounds will count as full rebounds, while uncontested rebounds count for half. I know, determining the difference between a contested and uncontested rebound may get a bit dicey, but it’s a small price to pay to give us proper rebounding statistics. Besides, it’s my theory; do you really think I wouldn’t already have any ideas for rebounding criteria?

The contested defensive rebound will be based on a few main factors. The player rebounding the ball must be either A) in traffic, or B) boxing his man out near the basket. Also, all missed layups, runners, and any rebound off a shot taken in the post will count as a contested rebound. Basically, a contested rebound is any rebound where, if the rebounding player wasn’t there to grab it, the opposition would.

In reality, what I’m trying to accomplish with the DRT is the elimination of the pointless, stat padding rebound. With the way stats have evolved and changed through the years, it’s about time the rebound got its own makeover. God help me if I have to watch LeBron subtly steal another uncontested board from his teammates.