Defense has been amazing this year. That's a good point about positioning and not gambling for steals. I think Kaman and Blake have been the biggest difference in our defense. Not only their individual contributions but it's allowed the starters rest and the chance to exert less energy on offense. Damian has become a vastly superior defender. He might not be good yet but I don't think he is a bad defender anymore.
Stotts said at the beginning of the season that he doesn't care about steals or offensive rebounds because it allows the other team to get to the paint or out in transition. Getting back on defense is more important than gambling on a steal or maybe getting an offensive board. TRob is an example of a guy who gets out of position by gambling on defense. Joel Freeland does not. It's working.
This is a great example of the good position player versus an athlete that happens to be a certain height/build. Freeland gets plenty of key offensive rebounds but isn't gunning for them. TRob or a JJ Hickson is going for the tip in but that's more risky because he's behind the play if he doesn't get the tip in.
Yes great point. I've always thought offensive rebounds are vastly overrated. Its normally bad teams that lead the league in them.
Its a bit chicken and egg: offensive rebound opportunities mean you're probably missing a lot of shots, which bad teams do.
Joel gets them because he's dug in and fighting for position. His usually do not result in a tip in but rather a second chance for a teammate. I like it.
