Kerr: Players don't box out in modern NBA

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr believes a lack of rebounding fundamentals has become a persistent issue among today's NBA players.

"This is the modern NBA; guys don't box out. It's just the way it is," Kerr told reporters, including ESPN's Nick Friedell, after watching his Warriors get outrebounded 57-34 in Thursday's 126-114 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"Every night on League Pass, I see the same thing. Players let guys come in from the weak side, and they think, 'I'll just get the rebound.' It's a disease that's rampant in the NBA," Kerr continued. "The problem is, if you're a real small team like us, then it's going to hurt you more than it will hurt other teams."

In addition to the rebounding weaknesses, Kerr believes today's players also struggle defensively, partially due to those details of the game not adequately being coached to them during their high school and college years compared to previous generations.

"I'm amazed by the skill level (of today's players). But the little things, getting back in transition - every night on TV, I see teams let a guy run past them in transition for a layup," Kerr said.

"We do it; every team does it. If you did that 25 years ago, your coach would take you out, and he wouldn't play you again. Now everybody does it, and as a coach, you can't take everybody out. So there are certain parts of the game that are just different; players aren't as locked in on those things. I think just because it's a different time."

The Warriors currently surrender the second-most rebounds to opponents at 47.6 per game, according to NBA.com.