Rebounding is more than just jumping for the ball—it’s about positioning, hustle, and timing, and the players leading the league in this stat have mastered it. When we break down the top rebounders in the NBA today, it’s not just about raw numbers, but the impact these players have on their teams. Whether it’s boxing out, grabbing offensive boards for second-chance points, or locking down the defensive glass, these guys know how to dominate the paint.
- 1. LeBron James – 11,185 Rebounds
- 2. Andre Drummond – 10,671 Rebounds
- 3. DeAndre Jordan – 10,501 Rebounds
- 4. Nikola Vucevic – 9,435 Rebounds
- 5. Kevin Love – 9,403 Rebounds
- 6. Rudy Gobert – 8,915 Rebounds
- 7. Al Horford – 8,574 Rebounds
- 8. Russell Westbrook – 8,307 Rebounds
- 9. Jonas Valanciunas – 8,096 Rebounds
- 10. Anthony Davis – 7,826 Rebounds
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the active leaders in total rebounds and analyze how they’re doing it. From stats showing their consistency over the years to how they rank among the all-time greats, you’ll get a sense of why these players are the best in the business when it comes to rebounding. It’s more than just tracking numbers—we’re digging into why these guys consistently win the rebounding battle.
1. LeBron James – 11,185 Rebounds
LeBron James is not just a scoring machine, as his place on the all-time scoring leaderboard shows—he’s a force on the boards as well, sitting at the top of active players with 11,185 rebounds. While many know LeBron for his offensive skills, his ability to grab crucial rebounds has been key to his longevity and success. Whether it’s snatching defensive rebounds to ignite fast breaks or pulling down offensive boards to give his team second-chance opportunities, LeBron’s impact on the glass often gets overlooked.
At 6’9″ and with a frame that allows him to battle inside, LeBron has been effective in securing rebounds throughout his career with an average of 7.4 per game in 21 seasons. His versatility on the court allows him to cover multiple positions, which is why his rebounding numbers have remained consistently high across his 1,492 career games. Whether playing as a forward or occasionally shifting to center in smaller lineups, he always positions himself well to make a play on the ball.
LeBron’s rebounding, much like the rest of his game, is driven by his high basketball IQ. He knows where the ball is likely to bounce and uses his quick reaction time to beat opponents to the ball. Even as his career has progressed, and his scoring may sometimes take a backseat, his ability to control the boards remains a critical part of his game. It’s another testament to his all-around greatness that he can lead in a stat often dominated by true big men.
2. Andre Drummond – 10,671 Rebounds
Andre Drummond ranks second among active NBA players in total rebounds, with 10,671 to his name. Known for his dominance on the boards, Drummond has consistently been one of the league’s top rebounders, leading the NBA in rebounds four times (2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020). His ability to control the paint, particularly on the offensive end, is unmatched, as he has totaled 3,656 offensive rebounds in his career.
Drummond re-joined the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024 on a two-year deal after spending time with teams like the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, and Chicago Bulls last year. In Philadelphia, he will play a key role as a backup to Joel Embiid, providing valuable minutes off the bench, especially in rebounding. During the 2023-24 season, Drummond averaged 9.0 rebounds in 17.1 minutes per game, maintaining his effectiveness even in a reduced role.
While his scoring numbers have declined, Drummond’s ability to dominate the boards remains critical to his value. His hustle and positioning continue to provide second-chance opportunities for his team, and his defensive rebounding helps stabilize the Sixers’ efforts on that end of the floor. As he enters the 2024-25 season, Drummond remains one of the most efficient rebounders, even in limited minutes.
3. DeAndre Jordan – 10,501 Rebounds
DeAndre Jordan has been a dominant force on the boards throughout his career, with 10,501 rebounds, making him third among active players. Known for his insane vertical and ability to finish around the rim, Jordan has consistently used his size and athleticism to control the paint. He’s averaged 10.0 rebounds per game across his career, including a standout period during his prime with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he led the league in rebounds twice (2014 and 2015).
One of the more impressive aspects of Jordan’s game is his work on the offensive glass. With 3,107 offensive rebounds throughout his career, he’s been a constant source of second-chance points for his teams. Currently playing for the Denver Nuggets, Jordan’s role has shifted as he provides veteran leadership and reliable minutes off the bench for the former champions. In the 2023-24 season, he saw limited action but continued to contribute when called upon, particularly with his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities.
As he moves into the later stages of his career, Jordan’s presence on the glass remains a key part of his game. His ability to secure boards in traffic, especially on the offensive end, has been one of the defining traits of his long NBA tenure.
4. Nikola Vucevic – 9,435 Rebounds
Nikola Vucevic is one of the most consistent rebounders in the game, currently sitting with 9,435 rebounds. Despite his steady production on the boards, his future with the Chicago Bulls is looking uncertain. Vucevic signed a three-year, $60 million extension with the team in the 2023 offseason, but there’s been a lot of chatter about potential trades and changes within the roster after a disappointing 2023-24 season.
Vooch has been a double-double machine throughout his career, averaging 10.5 rebounds per game over 899 games. His offensive rebounding is also noteworthy, with 2.8 offensive boards per game, often giving his teams much-needed second-chance opportunities. However, there’s some frustration surrounding how he’s been used in Chicago compared to his All-Star days in Orlando, where he was a central figure in the offense.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Vucevic’s situation is one to watch closely. While he remains the Bulls’ starting center, rumors about potential roster shakeups continue to circulate, especially with the Bulls turning into a rebuild. Whether he finishes his contract with Chicago or is traded to a contender remains to be seen, but his rebounding prowess continues to make him a valuable asset in any scenario.
5. Kevin Love – 9,403 Rebounds
Kevin Love sits fifth among active players with 9,403 rebounds. Love has been known for cleaning the glass his whole career, and even though he’s not the nightly double-double machine he once was, he’s still pulling in boards efficiently. After re-signing with the Heat on a two-year deal this past offseason, Love is embracing his role as a key contributor off the bench.
Throughout his career, Love has averaged 10.1 rebounds per game, and even in a reduced role last season, he grabbed 6.1 boards in just 16.8 minutes per game. He’s become a great complement to Bam Adebayo in the Heat’s frontcourt, using his rebounding skills and ability to stretch the floor as a shooter. Despite fewer minutes, Love’s veteran presence and IQ keep him in the mix, especially when Miami needs second-chance opportunities.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Love will continue to play a vital role for the Heat, stepping in as a veteran leader and reliable rebounder. His days of logging 35 minutes a game might be behind him, but his rebounding instincts and hustle are still as sharp as ever.
6. Rudy Gobert – 8,915 Rebounds
Rudy Gobert is fresh off a stellar 2023-24 season, where he cemented his status as one of the league’s elite defenders by winning his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. While much of the focus is often on his shot-blocking and rim protection, Gobert’s ability to dominate the glass is equally important. Last season, he pulled down 12.9 rebounds per game, proving once again that he’s a force in the paint for the Minnesota Timberwolves. His rebounding ability, particularly on the defensive end, is a key reason Minnesota had the best defensive rating in the NBA.
Gobert’s total career rebounding count has now reached 8,915, and his presence inside is vital for the Timberwolves. His ability to read the ball and position himself correctly allows him to consistently limit opponents’ second-chance opportunities. In the 2023-24 campaign, Gobert grabbed over 9.2 defensive rebounds per game, a testament to his positioning and effort on that side of the ball.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Gobert remains a cornerstone of the Wolves’ defense. As the team continues to push for a title, Gobert’s ability to protect the rim and dominate the boards will be key to their success. He’s more than just a shot-blocker—he’s the engine that drives their defense through relentless rebounding and interior control.
7. Al Horford – 8,574 Rebounds
At 38 years old, Al Horford had a memorable 2023-24 season, playing a crucial role in the Boston Celtics‘ championship run. Horford still managed to average 7.0 rebounds per game in the playoffs, helping the Celtics win their first title in over a decade. Though his minutes and role have slightly decreased, his experience and clutch rebounding were critical in key moments, especially during their Finals series against the Dallas Mavericks.
Last season, Horford grabbed boards consistently, maintaining his spot in this ranking with 8,574 career rebounds. As the Celtics prepare for the 2024-25 season, he’s set to play a similar role—providing leadership and stability on both ends of the floor. Horford remains a critical part of the Celtics’ plans, especially as they aim to defend their title.
Looking ahead, Al’s consistency and rebounding instincts will be essential as the team once again strives for postseason success. His rebounding, veteran presence, and ability to stretch the floor make him invaluable, even as his minutes are carefully managed to maintain his impact deep into the playoffs.
8. Russell Westbrook – 8,307 Rebounds
Russell Westbrook is still doing his thing on the boards, racking up 8,307 rebounds over his career. Known for his insane energy and athleticism, Westbrook has always been one of the most unique players when it comes to rebounding, especially for a guard. Whether it’s crashing the glass for offensive boards or grabbing defensive rebounds and turning them into fast breaks, he’s made rebounding a key part of his game since his early days.
In the 2023-24 season, Westbrook suited up for the Los Angeles Clippers for the last time and continued to make an impact. While his role has changed from his MVP days, he still averaged 5.0 rebounds per game in about 22.5 minutes per contest. Though the Clippers struggled and got bounced in the first round of the playoffs, Westbrook kept hustling, showing that his relentless style still plays, even in a more limited role.
Fast forward to the offseason, and Westbrook made a big move by signing with the Denver Nuggets for the 2024-25 season. As he joins the defending champs, his role will shift again, but you can bet his rebounding, energy, and leadership will be huge for Denver as they try to get back to the Finals. Even with fewer minutes, Westbrook’s intensity on the boards isn’t going anywhere, and Nuggets fans can expect him to continue making plays all over the court.
9. Jonas Valanciunas – 8,096 Rebounds
Jonas Valanciunas has accumulated 8,096 rebounds throughout his career, placing him ninth among active players. Known for his physicality and traditional big-man style, Valanciunas continues to be a force on the boards. Last season, he averaged 8.8 rebounds per game in his final year with the New Orleans Pelicans, showing that he still has plenty left in the tank despite a slightly reduced role.
In the summer of 2024, Valanciunas signed a three-year deal with the Wizards, where he’s expected to stay for the short-term, as rumors for a trade are already circulating as soon as he becomes available for a trade. Although his minutes decreased last season with the Pelicans, due to the improved health of Zion Williamson, he’s looking to bounce back and provide solid rebounding and scoring for either a rebuilding Wizards team or a future contender.
Valanciunas has been known for his consistency throughout his career, averaging 9.5 rebounds per game over 12 seasons. His size and experience make him a reliable presence in the paint, and the Wizards will be counting on him to mentor younger players while continuing to dominate the glass.
10. Anthony Davis – 7,826 Rebounds
Anthony Davis had a huge 2023-24 season, where he averaged 12.6 rebounds per game across 76 games, making him one of the top rebounders in the league once again. His presence on the glass was crucial for the Los Angeles Lakers, as he grabbed 3.1 offensive rebounds per game, showing his dominance in both creating second-chance points and locking down defensive boards. Davis’ rebounding, combined with his 24.7 points and 2.3 blocks per game, helped the Lakers make another deep playoff run.
Despite his impressive season, the Lakers couldn’t get past the second round of the playoffs. Davis was often the anchor on both ends of the floor, especially when LeBron needed a breather, and his ability to secure key rebounds played a massive role in the team’s success throughout the year. His defensive presence, combined with his rebounding, keeps him as one of the league’s most impactful big men.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Davis signed a three-year extension with the Lakers in 2023, locking him in through 2028. The Lakers are counting on him to continue being their defensive and rebounding anchor as they aim to return to championship contention. Davis’ ability to dominate the boards will be crucial if the Lakers want to make a serious run at the title this season.
