When it comes to dominance on the glass, there's no better way to measure it than by looking at the standout performances of rebounding trios in the NBA. Over the past decades, some legendary trios have set benchmarks so high, they are still talked about today. For instance, back in the 1985-86 season, the Boston Celtics' frontcourt of Larry Bird, Robert Parish, and Kevin McHale showcased an almost surgical rebounding operation. Bird alone grabbed 9.8 rebounds per game that season, while Parish and McHale pulled down 10.6 and 8.1, respectively. Combined, that's a staggering average of nearly 29 rebounds per game just from those three.
Another classic example was the Chicago Bulls during their 1995-96 72-win season. Dennis Rodman, known as "The Worm" for his unparalleled rebounding prowess, averaged 14.9 rebounds per game. Partnering with him were Scottie Pippen, who had 6.4 rebounds per game, and Luc Longley with 5.1. Together, they combined for 26.4 boards each game, a crucial element in one of the most dominant teams in history.
Fast forward to 2020-21, the Utah Jazz featured an impressive trio in Rudy Gobert, Royce O'Neale, and Bojan Bogdanović. Gobert, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, was a rebounding monster averaging 13.5 rebounds per game. O'Neale added 6.8 and Bogdanović chipped in with 4.1. Their combined efforts contributed significantly to the Jazz's league-best 52-20 record.
One can't forget the 2007-08 Boston Celtics when discussing rebounding trios. That year, Kevin Garnett averaged 9.2 rebounds per game, while Kendrick Perkins grabbed 6.1, and Paul Pierce added 5.1. With 20.4 rebounds per game among them, they played a crucial part in securing the Celtics' 17th NBA Championship title.
The dominance of these rebounding trios can't solely be attributed to physical size or ability. It’s also about the basketball IQ and positioning. Take the 2018-19 Los Angeles Clippers as an example. Montrezl Harrell, Danilo Gallinari, and Ivica Zubac did not consist of the tallest or the most athletic players, but their tactical rebounding was on point. Harrell averaged 6.5, Gallinari 6.1, and Zubac 7.5, amounting to a total of 20.1 rebounds each game.
Let's discuss the technical aspects for a moment. The positioning and timing of a rebound are equally critical as the jumping ability. Industry experts often mention the concept of ‘boxing out’. For instance, Charles Barkley, despite being relatively shorter at 6'6", was one of the best rebounders of his era, averaging 11.7 rebounds per game in the 1986-87 season by utilizing superior positioning and leverage.
In recent memory, the 2012-13 Memphis Grizzlies had a noteworthy rebounding trio in Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol, and Tayshaun Prince. Randolph led the charge with 11.2 rebounds per game, Gasol contributed 7.8, and Prince added 4.9, culminating in an impressive 23.9 rebounds combined each game during their deep playoff run. Their performance underscored the importance of each player's ability to control the boards in securing wins.
We must not overlook the Orlando Magic trio of Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Türkoğlu in the 2008-09 season. Howard, the dominant center, pulled down 13.8 rebounds per game, which complemented the efforts of Lewis (5.7 RPG) and Türkoğlu (5.3 RPG). Their combined average of 24.8 rebounds helped guide the Magic to the NBA Finals that year.
Not to be outdone, the 2000-01 San Antonio Spurs featured a powerful rebounding trio with Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Malik Rose. Duncan averaged 12.2 rebounds, Robinson added 9.6, and Rose came in with 4.7. Their collective 26.5 rebounds per game demonstrated how essential robust rebounding is for postseason success.
The trend of having formidable rebounding trios continues even in today's NBA. During the 2021-22 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers had Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Lauri Markkanen joining forces on the boards. Allen led the squad with 10.8 rebounds per game, Mobley chipped in 8.3, and Markkanen added 5.6. Their combined 24.7 rebounds per game helped stabilize the Cavaliers' defense and transition game.
While talking about rebounding, it's impossible not to mention the statistical giant known as Wilt Chamberlain. Although not part of a trio for most of his career, his single-season average of 27.2 rebounds per game in 1960-61 stands as an untouchable benchmark. His rebounding tenacity is something that every great rebounding trio aspires to replicate.
The necessity of such rebounding dominance is a testament to how critical it is in winning games and championships. It’s no coincidence that most of these rebounding trios have led their teams deep into the playoffs, if not to NBA titles, through a perfect blend of technical skill, teamwork, and relentless effort. Each rebound can translate to an extra possession, a momentum shift, or an opportunity to stymie the opponent’s scoring chance.
As fans and analysts look towards new seasons and evaluate teams, the impact of these rebounding trios remains a defining feature of a team's ability to control the game. For more in-depth analysis, check out the latest stories and stats on arena plus to stay updated with the most current trends and performances in the league.