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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
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	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.
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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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.
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	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	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	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).
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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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.
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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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.
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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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.
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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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	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).
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	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.
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	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	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	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	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	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	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.
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.
91	Ben Simmonsplayer	68	Simmons averages approximately 6.9 DREB/G for his career. This places him in the strong defensive rebounder tier (60-74), excellent for a point forward and comparable to other elite rebounding wings.
91	Luis Scolaplayer	68	Scola averaged approximately 5.6 DREB/G over his NBA career, placing him in the strong defensive rebounder tier. His positioning and fundamentals made him effective on the defensive glass despite limited athleticism.
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	Nenêplayer	68	Nenê averaged approximately 5.6 DREB/G over his 16-season NBA career, placing him in the strong defensive rebounder tier. His consistent presence on the defensive glass as a center/power forward was solid but not elite compared to dominant big men.
91	Luke Longleyplayer	68	Longley averaged approximately 5.5 DREB/G over his NBA career, placing him in the strong defensive rebounder tier. As a center who played significant minutes for the Bulls' championship teams, he was a solid contributor on the defensive glass.
91	Zelmo Beatyplayer	68	Beaty was primarily a defensive rebounder, likely averaging around 6+ DREB/G based on his total rebounding and role. Strong but not elite for a center of his era.
91	LaMarcus Aldridgeplayer	68	Aldridge averaged approximately 6.9 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the strong defensive rebounder category, as he was consistently good at cleaning the defensive glass.
91	Brad Millerplayer	68	Miller averaged approximately 5.8 DREB/G over his career. This places him in the strong defensive rebounder range (5-6.5 DREB/G = 60-74), showing solid positioning and fundamentals on 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	A.C. Greenplayer	68	Green averaged approximately 5.8 DREB/G over his career, which is strong for a power forward. His positioning and fundamentals made him a consistent contributor on the defensive glass throughout his long career.