NBA 2013-14: Top 5 rebounders in the league

Game can be taught but not height, it comes naturally. Almost all big men in the league at present are not as skilled in the post as big men used to be back in the 1980’s and 1990’s. With the game changing over the years, the players have also adapted with 7 footers learning and practising to knock down jumpers from mid range before trying out post moves and hook shots.However not all is lost, there are a still a handful of front court players who focus on rebounding the orange and improving their post play. Rebounding the basketball is an underrated essential to win championships. Often times the eventual NBA champions are among the top 5 rebounding teams in the league for the season because whether they are offensive or defensive, a rebound hugely impacts the state of the game. Coaches always want good rebounding numbers from their center and forwards in order to make use of their height advantage.Here are the top 5 leaders in rebounding for the past season based on rebounds per game average:

#5 DeMarcus Cousins - Sacramento Kings

Rebounding average for the 2013-14 seaso: 11.8

His offensive game could still use some much needed help and guidance, but DeMarcus Cousins certainly made more of an impact in the paint this season with his positive rebounding numbers. Averaging 22.7 points per game this past season, Cousins would be a superstar and a serious force to reckon with once he brings maturity into his game.

Being the face of the franchise, Cousins must start performing and stepping up for the team to earn the respect of his teammates. Its been a long time since the franchise from the capital city of California has had any meaningful celebration when it comes to the NBA and if they are hoping for any success in the near future, the natives must pin their hopes on this 24 year old promising big man.

#4 Dwight Howard - Houston Rockets

Rebounding average for the 2013-14 season: 12.2

This big man has led the league in rebounding 5 out of the last 7 seasons. His mobility and athleticism at his height is astonishing and allows him to beat other players to the rebound. He beat Wilt Chamberlain’s record of leading the league in rebounding for 4 consecutive seasons by going one step further to 5 years.

With Omer Asik sharing the floor with him often during games, Howard’s move to the Rockets saw him drop from the first in this category last season to fourth after this season. He has been in the league for over 10 years now, won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and has yet to show the leadership skills or the one on one game to command respect from his teammates.

He is 30 years old, he has had one year with his current team, the Rockets and his partner in crime James Harden, resulting in a perfect scenario for him to work on his game and bring maturity into his character.

#3 Kevin Love - Cleveland Cavaliers

Rebounding average for the 2013-14 season: 12.5

Kevin Love is a perfect example of the modern day big man in the league. He dominates the boards, runs the break, shoots quite efficiently from long range for his height and is an average post player who can also dish it out to his open teammates.

He has the unique talent of putting up big rebounding numbers and shooting efficiently from long range. He has always been among the leaders in rebounding in every season which was not affected by injuries.

Love’s move to the Cavaliers courtesy of a three team trade deal will result in a fall in his numbers given the players how he has alongside him in the predicted team lineup – LeBron James and Andreson Varejao.

#2 Andre Drummond- Detroit Pistons

Rebounding average for the 2013-14 season: 13.2

Averaging 13.5 points and 13.2 rebounds in his second season in the best competitive basketball league in the world says a lot about Drummond’s raw talent at his height of 6 foot 10 inches. Being named the MVP of the NBA Rising Stars Challenge event during the All-Star Weekend is a testament to the meteoric rise in his game between his first and season season in the league.

Looking at his averages it would be safe to say that his game and numbers would only be going up from here. Most importantly, he is a big man who is very good at his fundamentals which restores the belief in the fact that there are still players in the league who play like traditional big man of the past.

#1 DeAndre Jordan- Los Angeles Clippers

Rebounding average of the 2013-14 season: 13.6

The arrival of Doc Rivers to Los Angeles as a Head Coach has seen the evolution of DeAndre Jordan from just any big man to a defensive juggernaut for his team. Learning how to use his gifted agility at his size and length is what has changed and transformed Jordan into a legitimate paint protector.

Having said that, his contribution to the team on the offensive end could use some help. A majority of his points still come off alley-oops or putback slams pointing towards a weak one on one offensive game.A rise in his offensive game along with superstars Chris Paul and Blake Griffinwill see the dawn the era of Clipper domination not just in Los Angeles but in the entire league.