Have you ever wondered who the greatest rebounding guards in NBA history are? Let's dive right in and explore some hard-hitting facts and numbers. One name that often comes up is Jason Kidd. Kidd's career spanned 19 seasons, over which he averaged 6.3 rebounds per game. That’s impressive for a guard, considering most players in his position wouldn’t average more than 4 rebounds per game.
When we talk about rebounding, we can't forget Oscar Robertson. Known as "The Big O," Robertson averaged 7.5 rebounds per game throughout his career. That's higher than many forwards and centers! His rebounding prowess was a key reason why he recorded 181 triple-doubles, a record that stood for decades before Russell Westbrook broke it in 2021.
Speaking of Westbrook, how could we ignore his contributions? Westbrook has changed the game in terms of what we expect from guards in the rebounding department. He averaged an incredible 7.5 rebounds per game over his career, with some seasons seeing him average more than 10 rebounds per game. During the 2016-2017 season, Westbrook averaged 10.7 rebounds, an unseen stat for a player primarily handling the ball.
Another guard who remarkably excelled at rebounding is Magic Johnson. Magic averaged 7.2 rebounds per game. Known for his versatility, Magic could play almost any position, making him a unique asset on the boards. Take the 1981-82 season where he averaged 9.6 rebounds per game, leading the Lakers to an NBA Championship.
Let's talk about Michael Jordan. While Jordan is celebrated for his scoring prowess, his rebounding skills often get overlooked. He averaged 6.2 rebounds per game throughout his career. For instance, during the 1988-89 season, Jordan averaged an astonishing 8.0 rebounds per game. That’s a higher average than many power forwards and centers.
Don't forget all-around greats like Clyde Drexler. Drexler averaged 6.1 rebounds per game over his career, playing 15 seasons in the NBA. His rebounding abilities were especially evident in the 1990-91 season when he posted an average of 6.9 rebounds per game, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to the NBA Finals.
John Stockton, largely known as the assist king, deserves mention here. Though his rebounding numbers might not compare to some previously mentioned, he made his impact felt. Over his 19-year career, Stockton averaged 2.7 rebounds per game. However, his positional average often exceeded expectations for a standard point guard, harking back to a time when guards were mainly expected to facilitate scoring plays rather than grab boards.
Another standout is Allen Iverson, known for his scoring capabilities more than his rebounding. Yet, Iverson averaged 3.7 rebounds per game over his career. In the 2004-2005 season, he posted 4.0 rebounds per game, significant for a player who stood at just 6 feet tall.
Interestingly, we also have Rajon Rondo in this conversation. Rondo has consistently pulled down high rebound numbers for a guard, averaging 4.8 per game over his career. He even led the league in assists multiple times. In the 2015-2016 season, he averaged 6 rebounds, proving that modern guards can excel in multiple facets of the game.
Dwyane Wade also deserves a mention. Over his career, Wade averaged 4.7 rebounds per game. A notable season was 2006-07, where he posted 5.0 rebounds per game. For a guard tasked with scoring and playmaking, these rebounding numbers contribute significantly to his overall value.
Comparing these players makes one thing clear: rebounding isn't just the domain of big men. The guards we've discussed broke the mold by proving that hustle, timing, and basketball IQ can bring boards just as surely as height and muscle can. In today's game, where versatility is prized above all, these guards were ahead of their time, setting a standard for future generations to follow.
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