Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Highest-Rebounds Single Seasons By Tiers: Wilt Chamberlain Is The Rebounding GOAT
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Highest-Rebounds Single Seasons By Tiers: Wilt Chamberlain Is The Rebounding GOAT

Highest-Rebounds Single Seasons By Tiers: Wilt Chamberlain Is The Rebounding GOAT

Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell were two of the greatest rivals in NBA history and they dominated the boards during their era.

Eddie Bitar
Mar 17, 2024
8 Min Read
Share

Credit: Fadeaway World

Rebounding is essential to winning games and championships. Throughout NBA history, some of the greatest rebounders ever have occupied the center and even power forward positions, which makes sense, considering standing 7 feet tall helps in grabbing the ball first. 

Contents
  • 2,000+ Rebounds
  • 1,900+ Rebounds
  • 1,700+ Rebounds
  • 1,500+ Rebounds
  • 1,400+ Rebounds

It is expected that we will see Wilt Chamberlain appear in this tiered list involving single-season records, but how many times? After seeing the highest-scoring single-season by tiers, we have collected the highest-rebounding single-season exploits by tiers.


2,000+ Rebounds

– Wilt Chamberlain – 2,149 Rebounds (1960-61)

– Wilt Chamberlain – 2,052 Rebounds (1961-62)

Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance on the boards during the 1960-61 and 1961-62 seasons stands as a testament to his unparalleled athleticism and sheer dominance in the paint. With an astonishing 2,149 rebounds in the 1960-61 season and a staggering 2,052 rebounds in the following year, Chamberlain not only shattered records but redefined what was thought possible for a single player’s impact on the game. 

Add in the fact Wilt averaged a career-high 27.2 RPG in 1961 and 25.7 RPG in 1962, there won’t be another player like him. That means there is no surprise the big man is the only player in the 2,000 rebounds tier. 


1,900+ Rebounds

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,957 Rebounds (1966-67)

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,952 Rebounds (1967-68)

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,946 Rebounds (1962-63)

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,943 Rebounds (1965-66)

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,941 Rebounds (1959-60)

– Bill Russell – 1,930 Rebounds (1963-64)

Across the seasons spanning 1959 to 1968, Chamberlain’s relentless pursuit of the ball saw him amass staggering rebounding figures, ranging from 1,941 to 1,957 rebounds. His ability to dominate the glass during this period is unparalleled, showcasing not only his physical prowess but also his unrivaled presence in the paint.

Meanwhile, Bill Russell, the epitome of defensive tenacity, secured his own place in history with his remarkable 1,930 rebounds during the 1963-64 season. Together, Chamberlain and Russell defined an era of rebounding dominance, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and setting standards that continue to inspire awe and admiration among basketball enthusiasts worldwide.


1,700+ Rebounds

– Bill Russell – 1,878 Rebounds (1964-65)

– Bill Russell – 1,868 Rebounds (1960-61)

– Bill Russell – 1,843 Rebounds (1962-63)

– Bill Russell – 1,790 Rebounds (1961-62)

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,787 Rebounds (1963-64)

– Bill Russell – 1,779 Rebounds (1965-66)

– Bill Russell – 1,778 Rebounds (1959-60)

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,712 Rebounds (1968-69)

– Bill Russell – 1,700 Rebounds (1966-67)

The 1960s emerged as a golden era for rebounding titans, with Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain leading the charge. Russell, renowned for his defensive prowess and uncanny ability to control the boards, showcased his dominance with remarkable consistency. Across seasons ranging from 1959 to 1966, Russell consistently amassed impressive rebounding figures, with highlights including 1,878 rebounds in 1964-65, 1,868 rebounds in 1960-61, and 1,843 rebounds in 1962-63.

Meanwhile, Chamberlain, often Russell’s rival on the court, boasted his own formidable rebounding prowess, evident in his 1,787 rebounds in 1963-64 and 1,712 rebounds in 1968-69. Is there any doubt about who the two most dominant centers are when it comes to rebounding? The fact that these two superstars controlled the rebounding records for three straight tiers says just enough.


1,500+ Rebounds

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,673 Rebounds (1964-65)

– Jerry Lucas – 1,668 Rebounds (1965-66)

– Bill Russell – 1,612 Rebounds (1958-59)

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,572 Rebounds (1971-72)

– Bill Russell – 1,564 Rebounds (1957-58)

– Jerry Lucas – 1,560 Rebounds (1967-68)

– Jerry Lucas – 1,547 Rebounds (1966-67)

– Bob Pettit – 1,540 Rebounds (1960-61)

– Dennis Rodman – 1,530 Rebounds (1991-92)

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,526 Rebounds (1972-73)

– Walt Bellamy – 1,500 Rebounds (1961-62)

The 1,500+ Rebounds club serves as a testament to the dominance of basketball legends across different eras. From the usual presence of Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell to the tenacity of Dennis Rodman, these players showcased unparalleled skill and determination on the boards. Chamberlain’s imposing figure led him to secure 1,673 rebounds in the 1964-65 season and 1,572 rebounds in 1971-72, while Russell’s defensive prowess earned him 1,564 rebounds in 1957-58 and 1,612 rebounds in 1958-59.

Not to be outdone, Jerry Lucas left his mark with impressive performances, including 1,668 rebounds in 1965-66 and 1,560 rebounds in 1967-68. Bob Pettit’s 1,540 rebounds in 1960-61 and Walt Bellamy’s 1,500 rebounds in 1961-62 further solidify their places among the rebounding elite. Meanwhile, Dennis Rodman’s relentless pursuit of the ball culminated in 1,530 rebounds during the 1991-92 season, showcasing his unique ability to impact the game on both ends of the court. Collectively, these players not only etched their names in the record books but also defined an era of basketball characterized by dominance in the paint.


1,400+ Rebounds

– Wilt Chamberlain – 1,493 Rebounds (1970-71)

– Wes Unseld – 1,491 Rebounds (1968-69)

– Bill Russell – 1,484 Rebounds (1968-69)

– Elvin Hayes – 1,463 Rebounds (1973-74)

– Bob Pettit – 1,459 Rebounds (1961-62)

– Bill Russell – 1,451 Rebounds (1967-68)

– Elgin Baylor – 1,447 Rebounds (1960-61)

– Moses Malone – 1,444 Rebounds (1978-79)

– Elvin Hayes – 1,406 Rebounds (1968-69)

– Nate Thurmond – 1,402 Rebounds (1968-69)

The 1,400+ Rebounds club boasts a roster of basketball giants whose dominance on the boards left an indelible mark on the game. Wilt Chamberlain, known for his sheer physicality and imposing presence in the paint, recorded 1,493 rebounds during the 1970-71 season, while Wes Unseld showcased his tenacity with 1,491 rebounds in 1968-69. Bill Russell, revered for his defensive prowess, secured 1,484 rebounds in the same season, further solidifying his status as one of the game’s greatest rebounders.

Elvin Hayes and Moses Malone, two relentless forces in the paint, left their mark with impressive rebounding performances, tallying 1,463 rebounds in 1973-74 and 1,444 rebounds in 1978-79, respectively. Bob Pettit, Elgin Baylor, Elvin Hayes (again), and Nate Thurmond round out this esteemed group, each leaving their own unique imprint on the game through their dominance on the boards. Together, these players exemplify the importance of rebounding in basketball and stand as testaments to their unparalleled skill and determination.

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support. 

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Bill RussellBob PettitJerry LucasWilt Chamberlain
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByEddie Bitar
Eddie Bitar is a senior staff writer for Fadeaway World from Denver, Colorado. Since joining the team in 2017, Eddie has applied his academic background in economics and finance to enhance his sports journalism. Graduating with a Bachelor's degree from and later a Master's degree in Finance, he integrates statistical analysis into his articles. This unique approach provides readers with a deeper understanding of basketball through the lens of financial and economic concepts. Eddie's work has not only been a staple at Fadeaway World but has also been featured in prominent publications such as Sports Illustrated. His ability to break down complex data and present it in an accessible way creates an engaging and informative way to visualize both individual and team statistics. From finding the top 3 point shooters of every NBA franchise to ranking players by cost per point, Eddie is constantly finding new angles to use historical data that other NBA analysts may be overlooking.
Previous Article Bulls Commentators Go Viral After Falling For A Fake Adrian Wojnarowski Tweet About Derrick Rose’s Retirement
Next Article NBA Daily Picks For March 17, 2024: Battle Of Big 3s As Bucks Take On Suns, European Superstars Faceoff In Nuggets-Mavericks Clash
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Austin Reaves
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Evan Turner Says Lakers Can’t Win Title With Austin Reaves As Their Third-Best Player

October 10, 2025
Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets News & Analysis

Nikola Jokic Embraces Underdog Role After Thunder Crowned Title Favorites

October 10, 2025
LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

LeBron James’ Nerve Problem Started In July, Still Lingering Into Season

October 10, 2025
LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Reportedly Want LeBron James To Keep Playing For Lakers

October 10, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?