Who Is the Best Rebounding Guard in NBA History?

The debate over who holds the title of best rebounding guard in NBA history ignited recently when Russell Westbrook boldly proclaimed that he is the greatest ever to do it. His confidence wasn’t misplaced — Westbrook has built a remarkable résumé defined by relentless energy, physicality, and an unparalleled nose for the ball. But is he truly the best rebounding guard ever? Let’s look at some notable contenders.

Russell Westbrook: The Modern Standard
Westbrook has averaged around 7 rebounds per game over his career — an astonishing number for a 6’3” guard in today’s era. He’s not just padding stats; many of his rebounds fuel his fast-break style and help control tempo. With more than 8,600 career rebounds and a record number of triple-doubles, Westbrook’s consistency and aggression put him near the top of the list.

Oscar Robertson: The Original Do-It-All Guard Before Westbrook, there was Oscar “The Big O” Robertson. Playing in the 1960s, Robertson averaged 7.5 rebounds per game over his career — including seasons where he flirted with 10 per game. His size (6’5”) and all-around game made him a rebounding force in an era when guards rarely crashed the glass. If Westbrook is today’s blueprint for the modern triple-double, Robertson wrote the original playbook.

Jason Kidd and Magic Johnson: Sustained Excellence Few point guards rebounded like Jason Kidd, who grabbed 8,700+ rebounds over 19 seasons while orchestrating offenses. Similarly, Magic Johnson, standing 6’9”, averaged over 7 rebounds per game, often leading fast breaks that he started himself. Both combined size, instincts, and leadership to dominate the glass in different ways.

Other Notable Names
From Clyde Drexler’s consistent work on the boards to Fat Lever’s sneaky triple-doubles, and even Josh Hart’s modern-day hustle stats, the list of great rebounding guards is deeper than many realize.

So, what do you think?
Is Westbrook truly the best rebounding guard ever? Drop your thoughts in the comments and join the debate.