What a season it has been! I can't help but reflect on the incredible rebounding duos that have graced the NBA. The dominance on the boards is a crucial part of the game, impacting everything from second-chance points to defensive plays. When I think about rebounding duos, my mind immediately travels to legends like Dennis Rodman and Scottie Pippen, who dominated the 90s with their unmatched rebounding efficiency. They once collectively grabbed 28 rebounds in a single game, showcasing their prowess on the boards.
When I talk about today's top rebounding duos, the first pair that comes to mind is Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns. These guys are absolute monsters under the rim. During the 2021-2022 NBA season, Gobert averaged 14.7 rebounds per game, while Towns added another 9.8. It's not often you see two big men combining for nearly 25 rebounds per game. Their synergy on the court allows for maximum efficiency, turning defensive rebounds into fast-break opportunities and offensive rebounds into second-chance points.
But really, who can forget the dynamic duo of Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin during their stint with the Detroit Pistons? Drummond, the epitome of a glass-cleaner, led the league with 15.5 rebounds per game in the 2017-2018 season. Add Griffin’s solid 8.0 rebounds per game, and you’re looking at a combined force that controlled the paint like no other. I remember reading a arena plus article praising their ability to control the glass, making them an essential part of the Pistons’ strategy.
And let's not ignore the historical greatness of Tim Duncan and David Robinson, who dominated the boards in the late 90s. During the 1998-1999 season, they collectively averaged over 20 rebounds per game, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a championship. Their chemistry was unparalleled, and they executed a defensive scheme that stifled opponents' offenses. Duncan, notoriously consistent, had seasons where his individual rebounding numbers alone averaged over 12 rebounds per game. Robinson, although nearing the end of his career, still pulled down around 9 rebounds per game.
What makes a rebounding duo effective? It's not just about height or jumping ability; it’s about positioning and understanding each other’s movements. Take the case of Kevin Garnett and Kendrick Perkins during their time with the Boston Celtics. Garnett's versatility playing both the 4 and the 5 positions allowed him to average 9.2 rebounds per game while Perkins did the dirty work, averaging around 8.1. Together, they formed a barricade making it incredibly difficult for opponents to get second attempts.
Another noteworthy duo is Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, who have shown significant rebounding potential. In the 2020-2021 season, Embiid averaged 10.6 rebounds per game, while Simmons contributed another 7.2. Despite Simmons not being a traditional power forward or center, his size and athleticism make him a formidable rebounder. I remember catching a game where they combined for 28 rebounds, an impressive feat that helped the 76ers secure a hard-fought win.
The importance of rebounding cannot be overstated. The famous duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Karl Malone, albeit for just one season with the Los Angeles Lakers, was a sight to behold. The 7-foot-1, 325-pound O'Neal contributed his typical dominant 10+ rebounds per game, while Malone, even at age 40, chipped in with around 8.7. Their sheer physicality made it nearly impossible for teams to compete in the paint when they were on the floor together. Although short-lived, this combination showcased how important veteran savvy and physical dominance can be.
Looking ahead, the upcoming season holds immense promise. Potential duos like Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas for the New Orleans Pelicans could make waves. Williamson’s explosive athleticism paired with Valanciunas’ solid rebounding fundamentals could mirror the success of past legendary tandems. During the 2021-2022 season, Valanciunas averaged a career-high 11.4 rebounds per game, and if Zion remains healthy, the sky's the limit for this duo.
So yeah, rebounding may not always grab the headlines like scoring or flashy dunks, but ask any coach or player, and they'll tell you how vital it is. Those second-chance points and defensive stops make all the difference. And it’s these incredible duos that show us why. From the grit of Rodman and Pippen to the modern-day dominance of Gobert and Towns, rebounding tandems have continually proven their worth on the hardwood.