NBA’s Best Rebounding Guards by Team: Arena Plus Guide

If you’ve been following the NBA, you’d know that rebounding is not just for the big men. Some guards are absolutely mesmerizing when it comes to grabbing those boards. Take Russell Westbrook, for instance. The guy averaged a triple-double over an entire season, which includes over 10 rebounds per game. That’s just unheard of for a guard. It’s fascinating because it breaks the traditional mold that only centers and power forwards dominate the rebounding stats.

Look at Allen Iverson during his prime years with the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite being only 6 feet tall, Iverson was a beast on the boards for a guard. He averaged around 4.7 rebounds per game in the 2004-2005 season. When you think of Iverson, most people remember his scoring prowess, but those boards were critical for his team’s success. If we shift to current players, James Harden’s rebounding stats have improved phenomenally. With the Houston Rockets, Harden often grabbed around 8 boards per game. No wonder they often played him as a point forward!

Rebounding efficiency isn’t just about vertical leap or physicality—it’s about timing and positioning. Take Marcus Smart with the Boston Celtics. While he might not be a towering figure, Smart is known for his hustle and basketball IQ, which helps him grab those defensive rebounds. In the 2020-2021 NBA season, Smart averaged 3.5 rebounds per game, critical in a team known for its defensive prowess.

When talking about impactful rebounding guards, Rajon Rondo must be mentioned. As a player for the Los Angeles Lakers, Rondo snagged rebounds at crucial moments, especially during playoffs. In the 2009-2010 season with the Boston Celtics, he averaged 4.4 rebounds per game. Rondo’s awareness on the floor and ability to read plays make him a rebounding dynamo, especially when games hit crunch time.

On the younger side, we have Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks. The 22-year-old has been sensational, not just scoring and assisting but also rebounding. Luka averaged nearly 9 rebounds per game during the 2020-2021 season. That’s elite for a guard of his age and experience. He’s a triple-double threat every night, making him a multi-dimensional player capable of changing the game in various facets.

Don’t forget the ageless LeBron James, who transitioned more into a guard role for the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite his age, LeBron hauls in rebounds with fierce competitiveness. In the 2019-2020 season, LeBron averaged 7.8 rebounds per game. Having a player who can orchestrate the offense and rebound at such a high level becomes an invaluable asset for any team, especially in high-stake playoff games.

Another interesting case is Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers. Playing as a point guard, Ben’s size and athleticism give him a unique edge. He averaged around 7.8 rebounds per game in the 2020-2021 season. His versatility on the court allows him to be positioned anywhere, and his rebounding numbers reflect that flexibility and skill set.

Don’t miss out on Jrue Holiday with the Milwaukee Bucks. Known for his defensive skills, Holiday also contributes significantly in rebounding. In the 2020-2021 season, he averaged around 4.5 rebounds per game. His effort on the boards complements the Bucks’ overall team strategy and makes him an indispensable part of the lineup.

If you’re looking at Kyle Lowry with the Toronto Raptors during their 2019 championship run, he was doing more than just hitting big shots and leading the offense. Lowry averaged nearly 5 rebounds per game. That might not sound like much, but consider his height and role. Those rebounds often led to fast-break opportunities where he excels.

The landscape of rebounding guards is broad and varied. From veterans to young stars, the ability of guards to contribute in rebounding has added a dynamic element to the NBA. Traditional concepts are continually challenged, and these players are a testament to how the game evolves. Who knows what the future holds? As the dynamics of basketball shift, guards getting more involved in rebounding could become the norm rather than the exception.

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