NBA standings based on offensive rebounding percentage

The Indiana Pacers have had a rough although promising season in 2022-23. The young talent is apparent, but the execution has been disheartening. If one were to look at why things are falling apart at this season, the reason may not be immediately obvious.

Rebounding is an important part of the game of basketball. It essentially gives the team the ability to have extra possessions every time down the court or to limit the possessions of the other team. If a team can’t rebound, it becomes incredibly difficult to win games given the difference in shot attempts between the two teams.

If we were to take all of the NBA and give standings on how often they allow the other team to get an offensive rebound, comparing to the actual NBA standings, the results are shocking for the Pacers.

NBA Standings based on Opponents Offensive Rebounding %:

Western Conference:

1. Denver Nuggets 26.5%
2. Sacramento Kings 26.6%
3. LA Clippers 26.6%
4. Houston Rockets 27%
5. New Orleans Pelicans 27.4%
6. Golden State Warriors 27.5%
7. Dallas Mavericks 27.7%
8. Los Angeles Lakers 27.8%
9. Phoenix Suns 28.7%
10. Memphis Grizzlies 29.1%
11. Portland Trailblazers 29.5%
12. San Antonio Spurs 29.6%
13. Utah Jazz 29.9%
14. Minnesota Timberwolves 30.2%
15. Oklahoma City Thunder 31.1%

As you can see, many of the best teams in the league by record are the same teams that limit rebounding with Denver and Sacramento leading the way. The one exception might be the Grizzlies, who allow the opponents to get offensive rebounds often, but have a spectacular record.

Eastern Conference:

1. Milwaukee Bucks 25.1%
2. Boston Celtics 25.1%
3. Chicago Bulls 26.1%
4. Miami Heat 26.5%
5. Cleveland Cavaliers 27.3%
6. Orlando Magic 27.4%
7. Washington Wizards 27.9%
8. Toronto Raptors 28%
9. New York Knicks 28.1%
10. Philadelphia 76ers 28.4%
11. Charlotte Hornets 28.6%
12. Atlanta Hawks 28.9%
13. Detroit Pistons 29.4%
14. Brooklyn Nets 30.8%
15. Indiana Pacers 31.4%

Similarly, the east approximately correlates with the actual standings with Milwaukee and Boston leading the way. If you compare both conferences however, you will notice one surprising thing.

The Pacers allow more offensive rebounds than any other team in the NBA

This highlights the need for a power forward who is willing to play good defense, shoot well, and rebound at a high level. Until they are able to rebound the basketball, the Pacers will struggle to win regardless of how well they shoot or find the open man.