Toronto Raptors: Jonas Valanciunas or Bismack Biyombo?

2) Rebounding

Valanciunas

Career: ORB – 2.6 / DRB – 5.5 / TRB – 8.2 / REB per 36 – 11.2 / TRB% – 18.1

This season: ORB – 3.1 / DRB – 5.9 / TRB – 9.0 / REB per 36 – 12.5 / TRB % – 20.1

Biyombo

Career: ORB – 2.1 / DRB – 4.4 / TRB – 6.5 / REB per 36 – 11.0 / TRB % – 17.3

This season: ORB – 2.3 / DRB – 6.0 / TRB – 8.3 / REB per 36 – 13.2 / TRB % – 21.1

The general consensus seems to be that Biyombo is the better rebounder. And his franchise-record 25-rebound effort in Indiana only further fuels this opinion.

Furthermore, the Democratic Republic of the Congo native’s supporters will tell you the only reason Valanciunas averages more boards, is because he starts more games. However, of the three areas we’re looking at, the rebounding category is the most interesting, and perhaps surprising, to analyze.

In respect of the argument that Biyombo is compromised by less playing time, the rebounds per 36 minutes section on www.basketball-reference.com, seems to support this. However, it’s closer than you think, with the 23-year old only averaging 0.7 more rebounds.

Furthermore, if you look at their careers as a whole up this point, Valanciunas is actually the better rebounder. Admittedly, this is also by the slightest of margins, but it goes against the general perception that Biyombo is the superior player when it comes to crashing the boards.

One final interesting factor to consider, is the percentage of available rebounds each player comes down with, when they are on the floor. Biyombo has a slight edge for this season, but once again, Valanciunas has the career advantage, at 18.1 percent compared to 17.3 percent.

Advantage: Tie

Next: Defence