Rebound (basketball)

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A rebound in basketball is the act of successfully gaining possession of the basketball after a missed field goal or free throw. Rebounds in basketball are a major part in the game, as most possessions end after a missed shot. Rebounds are divided into two main categories: offensive rebounds, in which the ball is recovered by the offensive side and does not change possession, and defensive rebounds, in which the defending team gains possession of the loose ball. Most rebounds are defensive because the team on defense tends to be in better position (in other words, closer to the basket) to recover missed shots. Offensive rebounds lead to another opportunity to score for the offensive team, either right away or by resetting the offense. Team rebounds are credited to a team that gains possession of the ball after any missed shot that is not cleared by a single player (i.e. deflected out of bounds after the shot, blocked out of bounds, etc.). A team rebound is never credited to any player, and is generally considered to be a formality, as according to the rules of basketball, every missed shot must be rebounded whether a single player controls the ball or not.

Rebounds are credited to the first player that gains clear possession of the ball, or to a player that successfully deflects the ball into the basket for a score. There are many attributes characteristic of great rebounders, the most common are height and strength. Because height is so important, most rebounds are made by centers and power forwards. Great rebounders must also have a keen sense of timing and have great leaping ability. It is also important that players position themselves in the best spot to get the rebound. This is done primarily by boxing out. Because fighting for a rebound can be very physical, rebounding is often regarded as "grunt work" or a "hustle" play.

Wilt Chamberlain led the NBA in rebounds in 11 different seasons, has the most career rebounds in the regular season (23,924), the highest career average (22.9 rpg), the single season rebounding records in total (2,149) and average (27.2 rpg), most rebounds in a regular season game (55) and playoff game (41) in the NBA, has the most career All-Star Game rebounds (197), and is considered by many to be the best rebounder of all-time. Others debate this, as Chamberlain played in an era in which players took more shot attempts than basketball players today. As there are fewer shots taken today, there are fewer opportunities for rebounds.

Other great rebounders in the NBA include

Bill Russell — first player to average over 20 rebounds per game in the regular season, ranks second to Chamberlain in regular season total (21,620) and average (22.5) rebounds, averaged more than 20 rebounds per game in 10 of 13 seasons played, grabbed 51 rebounds in a single game (second best ever), grabbed a record 32 rebounds in one half, and is the all-time playoff leader in total (4,104) and average (24.9 rpg) rebounds.

Bob Pettit — averaged 20.3 rebounds per game in the 1960-61 season, his career average of 16.2 rebounds per game is third all-time, and holds the top two performances for rebounds in an NBA All-Star Game with 26 (in 1958) and 27 (in 1962).

Nate Thurmond — averaged more than 20 rebounds per game in two seasons (including 22.0 rpg in the 1967-68 season), career average of 15.0 rpg, and holds the all-time NBA record for rebounds in a single quarter with 18.

Jerry Lucas — averaged more than 20 rebounds per game in two seasons (including 21.1 rpg in the 1965-66 season), and had a career average of 15.6 rpg.

Moses Malone — led the NBA in rebounds per game in six different seasons including a high of 17.6 rpg in the 1978-79 season, ranks first in career offensive rebounds in the regular season (offensive and defensive rebounds were not recorded separately until the 1973-74 season), and ranks fifth all-time in total regular season rebounds in the NBA (third if ABA rebounds are also included).

Dennis Rodman — led the league in rebounds in seven different seasons including a high of 18.7 rpg in the 1991-92 season. During the 1994-95 season, Rodman had the highest "rebound rate" in NBA history with 29.7%. This stat measures the percentage of missed shots a player rebounds while he's on the floor. Rodman also holds the top 6 rebound rate seasons in NBA history. It should be mentioned that the rebound rate stat is not available before the 1970-71 season.

Others great rebounders include Maurice Stokes, Elgin Baylor, Walt Bellamy, Wes Unseld, Elvin Hayes, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dave Cowens, Artis Gilmore, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Dikembe Mutombo, Kevin Garnett and Ben Wallace.