As the NBA approaches the 2026 All-Star Weekend, the battle on the glass has been just as intense as the race for scoring titles. The league’s top rebounders are controlling possessions, limiting second chances, and setting the physical tone every night. From dominant interior anchors to versatile modern bigs, these players are defining how games are won through effort, positioning, and relentless pursuit of the ball.
1. Nikola Jokic
1. Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Ball Arena. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
— 12.2 rebounds per game
Jokić rebounds with anticipation and elite spatial awareness rather than pure vertical dominance. He reads shot angles early and positions himself exactly where the ball is most likely to land. His soft hands and balance allow him to secure rebounds cleanly even in traffic. What makes him especially dangerous is how instantly he turns rebounds into precision outlet passes.
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2. Karl-Anthony Towns
2. Karl-Anthony Towns
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) celebrates in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
— 11.9 rebounds per game
Towns combines size, positioning, and quick reactions to control the glass consistently. He tracks shot trajectories well and adjusts his positioning before most players react. His rebounding often jumpstarts transition opportunities for his team. It’s a blend of awareness and skill that makes his impact feel immediate.
3. Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks as Memphis Grizzlies center Jock Landale (31) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
— 11.4 rebounds per game
Gobert dominates through length, reach, and disciplined positioning. He seals space early and rarely gets moved off his spot once a shot goes up. His defensive rebounding routinely ends possessions without second chances. It’s paint control built on fundamentals and physical presence.
4. Donovan Clingan
4. Donovan Clingan
Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) reacts after scoring against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Moda Center. Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
— 11.3 rebounds per game
Clingan rebounds with authority and physical commitment inside. He embraces contact and establishes deep position to control space around the rim. His size gives him a natural advantage, but his effort level keeps him among the elite. Every rebound feels like he’s imposing structure in the paint.
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5. Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
— 11.1 rebounds per game
Wembanyama’s reach allows him to collect rebounds far outside normal range. He covers ground effortlessly and uses timing rather than brute force to secure boards. His mobility lets him recover loose rebounds others can’t reach. It’s an overwhelming combination of length, timing, and fluid movement.
6. Ivica Zubac
6. Ivica Zubac
Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
— 11.0 rebounds per game
Zubac relies on textbook fundamentals and physical strength. He consistently boxes out, maintains leverage, and finishes possessions securely. His rebounding is steady and reliable rather than flashy. That consistency makes him a dependable interior anchor.
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7. Jalen Johnson
7. Jalen Johnson
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) handles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
— 10.6 rebounds per game
Johnson rebounds with athletic burst and versatility. He attacks the ball quickly and elevates well in crowded areas. His ability to grab rebounds and immediately push the pace adds extra value. He brings energy and mobility to every board.
8. Jalen Duren
8. Jalen Duren
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) dribbles defended by Brooklyn Nets center Day’ron Sharpe (20) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
— 10.5 rebounds per game
Duren rebounds with power and relentless aggression. He crashes the glass hard and wins physical battles through strength and explosiveness. His quick second jumps help him recover tipped balls. He brings nonstop interior intensity.
9. Jusuf Nurkic
9. Jusuf Nurkic
Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (30) reacts against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
— 10.2 rebounds per game
Nurkić uses size and positioning to control rebounding lanes. He’s excellent at sealing defenders and holding space in the paint. His physical style helps him thrive in crowded, contested situations. His rebounding reflects patience and strength.
10. Bam Adebayo
10. Bam Adebayo
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) dunks against the Utah Jazz during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
— 9.8 rebounds per game
Adebayo rebounds with mobility and defensive awareness across multiple positions. He tracks the ball while switching and rotating, often securing boards outside his immediate area. His quick reactions help him beat bigger players to loose rebounds. It’s a modern, versatile rebounding profile built on speed and instincts.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reach for the tip off in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images.
Rebounding remains one of basketball’s purest measures of impact, and these leaders have consistently given their teams extra opportunities while denying opponents the same. Their presence on the boards reflects discipline, timing, and the willingness to do the demanding work that often decides close games. As the season moves past the All-Star break, their control of the glass will continue to shape outcomes across the league.
* as of February 10, 2026
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