2024-25 NBA Season Predictions: 5 players who could lead the league in rebounds
As the NBA appeared to shift away from traditional big men and lean more toward perimeter play, a new wave of towering unicorns emerged, proving that big men in the league still offer much more than just rebounding.
Big men remain some of the most captivating players in the NBA. Each has a unique role on their team — whether as a glass cleaner, go-to scorer or post-playmaker — their responsibilities have evolved drastically in recent years.
One thing that hasn't changed is their importance in pulling down rebounds.
Here are five players who could lead the league in rebounding this season.
5 players who could lead the NBA in rebounds
#5. Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis ranked fourth in total rebounds last season with 961, averaging 12.6 rebounds per game across 76 contests. Although new LA Lakers coach JJ Redick has expressed interest in using Davis more at the power forward spot, which might slightly impact his rebounding numbers, he’s still expected to be among the league leaders in this category.
#4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished fifth last season with 841 rebounds, 120 fewer than Davis. However, with Davis’ potential role change, the "Greek Freak" could surpass him this year, especially under Doc Rivers’ system.
Antetokounmpo averaged 11.5 rpg and may play more aggressively to help the Milwaukee Bucks return to championship form, particularly with Khris Middleton's early injury this season.
#3. Nikola Jokic
Now moving on to the true centers. Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA MVP, grabbed 976 rebounds last season in 79 games, averaging 12.4 rpg.
Jokic has shown no signs of slowing down, and he’s expected to post similar numbers this season as the Denver Nuggets continue their championship pursuit.
#2. Rudy Gobert
Though some critics may question his defense, Rudy Gobert’s rebounding dominance is undeniable. Last season, where he won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award, he collected 982 rebounds over 76 games, averaging 12.9 rpg — the fourth-best mark of his career and his highest with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With Karl-Anthony Towns no longer on the team, Gobert’s rebounding stats could rise even higher, possibly returning to the 14.7 rpg he averaged in his final season with Utah.
#1. Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis is unquestionably the NBA’s top rebounder and his elite ability to crash the boards positions him as the favorite to lead the league again this season. He played all 82 regular-season games in 2023-24 and was the only player to surpass 1,000 rebounds, pulling down 1,120, for a career-high average of 13.7 rpg.
He shows no signs of slowing down and the Sacramento Kings will need his dominance on the boards to continue their playoff hopes next season.
Who do you think will lead the league in rebounds next season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.