Career Defensive Rebounding

Measures a player's career defensive rebounding production (DREB per game). Defensive rebounds end opponent possessions and start transition opportunities. While less effort-intensive than offensive rebounds (the defense has natural positioning advantage), elite defensive rebounding requires boxing out, timing, and awareness. Centers dominate this stat, but strong rebounding wings (like LeBron) also score well.

487entities ranked

Career Defensive Rebounding Leaderboard

#	Entity	Score	Reasoning
	Walt Bellamyplayer	95	Bellamy averaged approximately 10.9 DREB/G in seasons where defensive rebounds were tracked, placing him among the all-time great defensive rebounders.
	Moses Maloneplayer	92	Moses Malone averaged 8.8 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. He was one of the most dominant defensive glass cleaners in NBA history, consistently leading the league in this category.
	Hakeem Olajuwonplayer	92	Olajuwon averaged 8.1 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier just below Shaq's 8.4 DREB/G (88) but still dominant on the defensive glass.
	Dennis Rodmanplayer	92	Rodman averaged 8.9 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. His positioning, effort, and timing on the defensive glass were unmatched for his size.
	Dwight Howardplayer	92	Howard averaged 9.2 DREB/G over his career, placing him firmly in the elite defensive rebounder tier (8-10 DREB/G = 85-94). He was one of the most dominant defensive glass cleaners of his era, leading the league in rebounding five times.
6	Tim Duncanplayer	90	Duncan averaged 8.6 DREB/G over his 19-season career. He was an outstanding defensive glass cleaner who consistently secured possessions for the Spurs.
7	Rudy Gobertplayer	88	Gobert averages approximately 9.1 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier as one of the best defensive glass cleaners in the modern era.
7	Artis Gilmoreplayer	88	Gilmore averaged 8.3 DREB/G over his NBA career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. His combination of size, positioning, and effort made him one of the best defensive glass cleaners of his era.
7	Bill Russellplayer	88	Defensive rebounds were not separately tracked during Russell's career. With 22.5 RPG total, his defensive rebounding was almost certainly elite, likely 14-16 DREB/G range, though slight discount for lack of official data.
7	David Robinsonplayer	88	Robinson averaged 8.5 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. His consistent ability to secure possessions and anchor the defensive glass was a cornerstone of the Spurs' success throughout the 1990s.
7	Larry Birdplayer	88	Bird averaged 8.7 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. His positioning and basketball IQ made him exceptional at securing defensive possessions.
7	Shaquille O'Nealplayer	88	Shaq averaged 8.4 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. His massive frame dominated the defensive glass consistently.
7	Dikembe Mutomboplayer	88	Mutombo averaged 8.1 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the elite defensive rebounder tier (85-94 range), comparable to other elite defensive glass cleaners like Shaq (8.4 DREB/G, scored 88).
7	Victor Wembanyamaplayer	88	Wembanyama averaged 8.4 DREB/G in his rookie season, matching elite rebounders like Shaquille O'Neal. His length and positioning make him dominant on the defensive glass.
7	Jack Sikmaplayer	88	Sikma averaged 8.5 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the elite defensive rebounder tier, comparable to Kareem's 8.5 DREB/G (86) and just below Duncan's 8.6 DREB/G (90).
7	Truck Robinsonplayer	88	Robinson averaged approximately 8.5 DREB/G during his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. He was exceptional at cleaning the defensive glass.
17	Kevin Garnettplayer	87	Garnett averaged 8.2 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. His consistency over 21 seasons makes him one of the best defensive glass cleaners ever.
18	Kareem Abdul-Jabbarplayer	86	Kareem averaged approximately 8.5 DREB/G over the portion of his career where defensive rebounds were tracked (1973-74 onward). This places him in the elite tier, comparable to Tim Duncan's 8.6 DREB/G.
19	Boban Marjanovićplayer	85	Marjanović averages approximately 7.8 DREB per 36 minutes, which translates to elite defensive rebounding production when adjusted for his limited playing time.
19	DeMarcus Cousinsplayer	85	Cousins averaged approximately 8.2 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. His size and positioning made him a dominant force on the defensive glass.
19	Nikola Jokicplayer	85	Jokic averages approximately 8.2 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. His positioning, anticipation, and size make him excellent on the defensive glass.
19	Andre Drummondplayer	85	Drummond averages approximately 8.2 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. He's been one of the most dominant defensive glass cleaners of his generation.
19	DeAndre Jordanplayer	85	Jordan averages approximately 8.2 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier (8-10 DREB/G = 85-94). He was one of the most dominant defensive glass cleaners of his era.
19	Giannis Antetokounmpoplayer	85	Giannis averages approximately 8.0 DREB/G for his career. This places him in the elite defensive rebounder tier, comparable to other great rebounding forwards and centers.
19	Dave Cowensplayer	85	Cowens averaged 8.1 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. His relentless effort and positioning made him one of the best defensive glass cleaners of his era.
19	Clint Capelaplayer	85	Capela averages approximately 8.2 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. He's been one of the most consistent defensive glass cleaners in the league during his prime years.
19	Domantas Sabonisplayer	85	Sabonis averages approximately 8.2 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier comparable to Shaq (8.4, scored 88) and just below Duncan (8.6, scored 90).
19	Elvin Hayesplayer	85	Hayes averaged 8.8 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the elite defensive rebounder tier. He was one of the most dominant defensive glass cleaners of his era.
19	Joel Embiidplayer	85	Embiid averages approximately 8.2 DREB/G for his career. This places him in the elite defensive rebounder tier (8-10 DREB/G = 85-94), comparable to other elite centers like Shaq (8.4, scored 88).
30	Bill Waltonplayer	82	Walton averaged 7.6 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the 'Outstanding Defensive Rebounder' tier (6.5-8 DREB/G range), showing his excellence on the defensive glass.
30	Wes Unseldplayer	82	Unseld averaged approximately 8.7 DREB/G during the tracked seasons (1973-1981), placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier.
30	Patrick Ewingplayer	82	Ewing averaged 7.4 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. He was consistently one of the better defensive glass cleaners among centers during his era.
30	Nikola Vučevićplayer	82	Vučević averages approximately 7.4 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. His consistent glass cleaning as a center puts him above LeBron (6.0 DREB/G, 72) but below the elite tier anchors like Duncan and Shaq.
30	Alonzo Mourningplayer	82	Mourning averaged 6.8 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the 75-84 'Outstanding Defensive Rebounder' tier. He was a consistent force on the defensive glass throughout his career as a center.
30	Marcus Cambyplayer	82	Camby averaged 7.3 DREB/G over his 17-season career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. His length and positioning made him consistently effective on the defensive glass throughout his career.
30	Jarrett Allenplayer	82	Allen averages approximately 7.8 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. He's an excellent defensive glass cleaner who consistently secures possessions.
30	Karl Maloneplayer	82	Malone averaged 7.5 DREB/G over his career. His consistent defensive glass cleaning over 19 seasons places him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier, between the 6.5-8 DREB/G range at the higher end.
30	Jonas Valančiūnasplayer	82	Valančiūnas averages approximately 7.8 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier just below the elite 8+ DREB/G threshold.
30	Enes Kanter Freedomcult_hero	82	Kanter averaged approximately 7.7 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounding tier. Despite his defensive limitations, he was an excellent defensive glass cleaner.
40	Ralph Sampsonplayer	78	Sampson averaged approximately 7.4 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. His 7'4" frame made him dominant on the defensive glass when healthy, though his relatively short career limits his overall impact compared to other elite big men.
40	Chris Webberplayer	78	Webber averaged 7.4 DREB/G over his career. This is outstanding defensive rebounding production, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier just below the elite level.
40	Bob Lanierplayer	78	Lanier averaged approximately 7.7 DREB/G during the seasons where defensive rebounds were tracked. This places him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier, showing excellent work on the defensive glass.
40	Charles Barkleyplayer	78	Barkley averaged 7.2 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. His relentless pursuit of rebounds made him elite on the defensive glass despite his 6'6" frame.
40	Ben Wallaceplayer	78	Wallace averaged 7.0 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the 'Outstanding Defensive Rebounder' tier (6.5-8 DREB/G range). He was an elite defensive glass cleaner who consistently secured possessions for his teams.
40	Jusuf Nurkićplayer	78	Nurkić averages approximately 7.2 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. He's been a consistent force on the defensive glass throughout his career.
40	Maurice Lucasplayer	78	Lucas averaged approximately 7.0 DREB/G over his career (1976-1988), placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. His strong interior presence and rebounding fundamentals made him a consistent force on the defensive glass throughout his career.
40	Rik Smitsplayer	78	Smits averaged approximately 6.8 defensive rebounds per game during his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier for his consistent work on the defensive glass.
40	Manute Bolplayer	78	Bol averaged approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his 10-season career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. His exceptional 7'7" height and positioning made him a consistent force on the defensive glass despite limited minutes.
40	Serge Ibakaplayer	78	Ibaka averaged approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his career, consistently cleaning the defensive glass as a power forward and center throughout his prime years.
40	Marcin Gortatplayer	78	Gortat averaged 7.3 DREB/G over his 12-season NBA career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. His consistent glass cleaning as a center puts him above LeBron (6.0 DREB/G, 72) but below the elite tier of Duncan/Shaq.
40	Robert Parishplayer	78	Parish averaged approximately 7.1 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. He was consistently excellent on the defensive glass.
40	Nate Thurmondplayer	78	Thurmond averaged approximately 7.2 DREB/G during the tracked portion of his career (1973-1977), placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. His dominance on the glass was evident throughout his career despite limited official DREB data.
40	Spencer Haywoodplayer	78	Haywood averaged approximately 7.3 DREB/G during the seasons when defensive rebounds were tracked, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier.
40	Bam Adebayoplayer	78	Adebayo averages approximately 7.8 DREB/G for his career through 2023-24. This places him in the 'Outstanding Defensive Rebounder' tier (6.5-8 DREB/G), consistently cleaning the defensive glass at an elite level.
40	Lamar Odomsixth_man	78	Odom averaged 7.7 DREB/G over his career. This is outstanding defensive rebounding for a versatile forward, showing his ability to clean the glass consistently and secure possessions for his team.
40	Yao Mingplayer	78	Yao averaged approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his career (9.2 total RPG minus 2.4 OREB/G). This places him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier, showing excellent positioning and fundamentals on the defensive glass.
40	Evan Mobleyplayer	78	Mobley averages 7.5 DREB/G career, outstanding defensive rebounding that places him in the upper tier. His length and positioning make him excellent at cleaning the defensive glass.
40	Pau Gasolplayer	78	Gasol averaged approximately 7.2 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier with consistent glass cleaning ability.
40	Mitchell Robinsonplayer	78	Robinson averages approximately 7.2 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. His rim protection role and positioning make him an excellent defensive glass cleaner, though his relatively short career to date limits the sample size.
60	Jermaine O'Nealplayer	76	O'Neal averaged 7.2 DREB/G over his career. This is outstanding defensive rebounding for his position, consistently anchoring the defensive glass and securing possessions for his teams.
61	Jerry Lucasplayer	75	Defensive rebounds weren't tracked separately during Lucas's career. With 15.6 total RPG, his defensive rebounding was likely in the 10+ DREB/G range, but without official data, a strong but discounted score is appropriate.
61	Derrick Favorsplayer	75	Favors averaged approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. He was consistently one of the better defensive glass cleaners among power forwards.
61	Buck Williamsplayer	75	Williams averaged 6.8 DREB/G over his career, which is outstanding for a power forward. He was one of the most consistent defensive rebounders of his era, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier.
61	Larry Johnsonplayer	75	Johnson averaged approximately 5.9 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder range. He consistently cleaned the defensive glass throughout his career.
61	Elton Brandplayer	75	Brand averaged 6.8 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier and showing excellent ability to secure possessions on the defensive end.
61	Ed Davisplayer	75	Davis averaged approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his career, making him an outstanding defensive rebounder who consistently cleaned the glass for his teams.
61	Chet Holmgrenplayer	75	Holmgren averages approximately 7.5 DREB/G in his early career. His length and positioning make him an excellent defensive rebounder for his position, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder range.
61	Bob Pettitplayer	75	Defensive rebounds were not tracked during Pettit's career. However, with 16.2 career RPG total, his defensive rebounding was likely elite - estimated around 10-12 DREB/G given era norms. Strong rebounder who controlled the defensive glass consistently.
61	Andrew Bogutplayer	75	Bogut averaged 6.8 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier as a consistent glass cleaner.
61	Dave DeBusschereplayer	75	Defensive rebounds were only tracked for DeBusschere's final season (1973-74) when he averaged 6.8 DREB/G. Given his reputation as an elite rebounder and 11.0 career RPG, his defensive rebounding was likely in the 6.5-8 range throughout his prime, placing him in the outstanding tier.
61	Antonio McDyessplayer	75	McDyess averaged approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier, showing strong glass-cleaning ability for a power forward.
61	Al Horfordplayer	75	Horford averages approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier (6.5-8 DREB/G) as a consistent glass cleaner.
61	Billy Cunninghamplayer	75	Cunningham averaged approximately 7.2 DREB/G during the seasons where defensive rebounds were tracked (1973-76). This places him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier, reflecting his excellent positioning and effort on the defensive glass.
61	Arvydas Sabonisplayer	75	Sabonis averaged 6.8 DREB/G during his NBA career. This places him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier, showcasing his excellent positioning and fundamentals on the defensive glass despite limited athleticism.
61	Caldwell Jonesplayer	75	Jones averaged approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier. He was a consistent presence on the defensive glass throughout his long career as a center.
61	Bill Laimbeerplayer	75	Laimbeer averaged 7.2 DREB/G over his career, which is outstanding defensive rebounding. He was an excellent positional rebounder who consistently cleaned the defensive glass for the Pistons.
61	Draymond Greenplayer	75	Green averages approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the 'Outstanding Defensive Rebounder' tier (6.5-8 DREB/G), reflecting his excellent positioning and effort on the defensive glass despite being undersized for his position.
61	Luka Doncicplayer	75	Doncic averages approximately 7.2 DREB/G for his career. For a guard/forward, this is outstanding defensive rebounding that places him in the 75-84 range as an exceptional defensive glass cleaner for his position.
61	Anthony Davisplayer	75	Davis averages approximately 7.4 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the 'Outstanding Defensive Rebounder' tier (6.5-8 DREB/G), below Tim Duncan's 8.6 DREB/G (90) but above LeBron's 6.0 DREB/G (72).
80	Marc Gasolplayer	72	Gasol averaged approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier (6.5-8 DREB/G).
80	Jalen Durenplayer	72	Duren averages approximately 5.7 DREB/G in his young career, demonstrating strong defensive glass cleaning ability. This places him in the strong defensive rebounder range, comparable to other effective big men, though sustained production over a full career remains to be seen.
80	Shawn Marionplayer	72	Marion averaged 6.0 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the 'strong defensive rebounder' tier at 5-6.5 DREB/G, matching LeBron's level.
80	LeBron Jamesplayer	72	LeBron averages 6.0 DREB/G for his career, which is outstanding for a wing/forward. He consistently cleans the defensive glass and is one of the best defensive rebounding wings in NBA history.
80	Wilt Chamberlainplayer	72	Defensive rebounds were not tracked until 1973-74. Given his 22.9 career RPG dominance, his defensive rebounding was elite, but without official DREB/G data for most of his career, a discounted score is warranted.
80	Vlade Divacplayer	72	Divac averaged approximately 6.8 DREB/G over his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier with consistent glass cleaning ability.
80	Terry Cummingsplayer	72	Cummings averaged approximately 6.8 defensive rebounds per game during his career, placing him in the outstanding defensive rebounder tier.
87	Isaiah Stewartplayer	70	Stewart averages approximately 5.7 DREB/G for his career, placing him in the strong defensive rebounder range. He consistently cleans the defensive glass as a primary responsibility.
87	Walker Kesslerplayer	70	Kessler averages approximately 6.3 DREB/G, demonstrating strong defensive rebounding ability that anchors his team's defensive glass work. This falls in the strong defensive rebounder range.
87	Larry Nanceplayer	70	Nance averaged approximately 6.2 DREB/G over his career. This is strong defensive rebounding for a power forward, consistently cleaning the defensive glass throughout his career.
87	Blake Griffinplayer	70	Griffin averaged approximately 6.2 DREB/G over his career. This is strong defensive rebounding for a power forward, placing him in the 60-74 'Strong Defensive Rebounder' tier.
91	Giddey Joshplayer	68	Giddey averages approximately 6.6 DREB/G through his career, which is outstanding for a guard/wing. His size and positioning make him an excellent defensive rebounder for his position.
91	Andrei Kirilenkoplayer	68	Kirilenko averaged approximately 5.6 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the strong defensive rebounder range (60-74), solid for a forward who consistently cleaned the defensive glass.
91	Shawn Kempplayer	68	Kemp averaged approximately 6.2 DREB/G over his career (8.4 total RPG minus 2.2 OREB/G). This places him in the strong defensive rebounder tier for a power forward.
91	Bobby Jonesplayer	68	Jones averaged approximately 5.6 DREB/G during his career, which is strong for a forward and places him in the 60-74 'Strong Defensive Rebounder' tier, comparable to Kevin Durant's 5.6 DREB/G (68).
91	Alperen Sengunplayer	68	Sengun averages approximately 6.8 DREB/G in his career. This is strong production for a center and places him in the strong defensive rebounder tier, showing good positioning and fundamentals on the defensive glass.
91	Steven Adamsplayer	68	Adams averaged approximately 6.5 DREB/G over his career (9.0 total RPG minus 2.5 OREB/G). This places him at the top of the strong defensive rebounder tier.
91	Kermit Washingtonplayer	68	Washington averaged approximately 5.5 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the strong defensive rebounder range (5-6.5 DREB/G), showing solid contribution on the defensive glass.
91	Dirk Nowitzkiplayer	68	Dirk averaged 6.3 DREB/G over his career, which is strong for a power forward. He consistently cleaned the defensive glass and was a reliable rebounder on that end.
91	Jakob Poeltlplayer	68	Poeltl averages approximately 6.0 DREB/G for his career, which is solid for a center and places him in the strong defensive rebounder range. He consistently cleans the defensive glass as a primary responsibility.
91	Kevin Durantplayer	68	Durant averages approximately 5.6 DREB/G for his career. His length and positioning allow him to be an above-average defensive rebounder for a wing/forward, placing him in the strong defensive rebounder range below LeBron's 6.0 DREB/G.