Rebounds, blocks and lobs: Are the Detroit Pistons too small?

The Detroit Pistons struggle rebounding

We knew rebounding was going to be an issue this season, and so far, it has been.

The Pistons are dead last in the NBA in rebounds per game, which is mind-boggling considering how many shots they’ve missed. You’d think a team throwing up so many bricks would be near the top of the league in rebounding, which shows you just how bad the Pistons have been.

Forward Saddiq Bey currently leads the Pistons in rebounding, averaging 7.1 per game and they don’t have a single other player averaging at least seven.

Center Isaiah Stewart averages 6.8 boards per game, which is 47th in the NBA, just behind point guard Cole Anthony, who averages 6.9 per game.

Rebounding is a controversial subject, as some believe it’s not an important stat since some teams sell out on the offensive boards to get back on defense.

But rebounds are also how teams close out possessions, so for a team that is currently relying on its defense to keep them in games, rebounding is very important indeed, especially on the defensive end.

The Pistons are dead last in defensive rebounds per game and just 24th in defensive rebounds allowed, which means they are not closing out possessions and their opponents are.

The Detroit Pistons don’t need to make dramatic changes to their roster this season, but moving forward they need some more size on the interior, particularly a guy who can catch a lob and grab some rebounds.