Rebounders are often overlooked in the NBA. Yet, the ability to end a defensive possession without conceding points, or to give your teammates a second chance on offense, is an integral aspect of a high-level team.
Throughout the Golden State Warriors’ history, the team has had some dominant rebounders, some of whom have amassed over 10,000 boards during their tenure with the franchise. Now that we’re in the quiet part of the NBA off-season, it seems like the perfect time to cast our minds back in history and remember some of the Warriors’ best contributors.
Today’s edition will focus on the best rebounders in Warriors’ history – both in Golden State and in Philadelphia. The players who did the dirty work that often isn’t discussed in the sports pages or on late-night sports talk TV and radio.
As such, let’s dive in as we look all the way back to the 1950s, along with some more recent contributors to Golden State’s rebounding charts, with the statistics provided by StatMuse.
1. Nate Thurmond - 12,771
Unknown date & location; USA: FILE PHOTO; San Francisco Warriors center Nate Thurmond (42) in action. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
2. Wilt Chamberlain - 10,768
Unknown date; Cincinnati, OH, USA: FILE PHOTO; Philadelphia 76ers center Wilt Chamberlain (13) is defended by Cincinnati Royals center Connie Dierking (24) at Cincinnati Gardens. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
3. Larry Smith - 6,440
1987: Akeem Olajuwon #34 of the Houston Rocket takes a shot against Larry Smith #13 of the Golden State Warriors during a game in the 1987-88 season. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
4. Clyde Lee - 6,416
Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco Warriors center Clyde Lee (43) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry West (44) at the Forum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports
5. Paul Arizin - 6,129
FILE – In this April 8, 1956, file photo, Philadelphia Warriors’ Paul Arizin (11) grabs a rebound as Mel Hutchins (9) of the Fort Wayne Pistons stands near in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/File)
Mar 20, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts during practice before the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
8. Rick Barry - 4,655
March 10, 1973; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Golden State Warriors forward Rick Barry (24) in action against the Atlanta Hawks at The Omni. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
9. Joe Graboski - 4,503
Joe Graboski spent 13 seasons in the NBA, eight of them with the Philadelphia Warriors. During his time in a Warriors jersey, Graboski amassed 4503 rebounds, placing him ninth in the franchise’s All-Time rebounds list. Grabsoki’s career spanned from 1948 to 1962, he also won a championship with the Warriors in 1956.
10. Clifford Ray - 4,310
March 23, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; 1975 NBA Championship Golden State Warriors team members Clifford Ray (left) and Rick Barry (right) address the media in a press conference before the game between the Warriors and the Washington Wizards at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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