Steve Kerr Explains How Alfonzo McKinnie Exploits Rebounding Loophole

Alfonzo McKinnie is a really, really good rebounder.

One could even use the word "elite" when discussing that aspect of his game.

Per 36 minutes, McKinnie is averaging nine boards per contest -- good for second on the Warriors behind Kevon Looney (10.2).

"He's a tremdenous athlete. He's got good length and great leaping ability," Steve Kerr said Wednesday night on 95.7 The Game. "And he just has a knack for the ball, particularly on the offensive glass."

But is there something else that gives McKinnie an edge on the glass? Is there some secret sauce?

"He happens to be playing in an era, frankly, where nobody boxes out," Kerr explained. "Shot goes up -- and in every game that I watch on League Pass, our own games -- shot goes up and all the eyes just go up to the ball and follow the ball and nobody turns and boxes out.

"Alfonzo does a great job of just finding those seams and running right past people and going up and getting rebounds, getting us extra possessions."

Arguably the main reason McKinnie earned a roster spot with Golden State was because he did things like this during the exhibition season:

And here are some examples of McKinnie wreaking havoc on the offensive glass throughout the regular season:

[RELATEDDeMarcus Cousins, Andre Iguodala will not play for Warriors vs Cavs]

There will be playoff games in which McKinnie doesn't play a minute. And there will probably be some playoff games in which McKinnie outworks the opponent and grabs some huge rebounds in key moments.

"He's been a great, great story for us," Kerr said. "A great kid, wonderful to coach and getting better too. I couldn't be happier for him."

Follow @DrewShiller on Twitter and Instagram

Contact Us