Basketball Records

Most Offensive Rebounds in NBA History

In basketball, not every highlight comes from a dunk or a deep three. Sometimes the biggest plays start with an offensive rebound. Grabbing a miss gives teams extra chances and can flip momentum fast. Moses Malone, the all-time leader with 6,731 offensive rebounds, proved how relentless effort could change games. Rebounders like Robert Parish, Buck Williams, and Dennis Rodman prove that controlling the glass is just as important as scoring points.

Moses Malone, right, defends Darryl Dawkins in this April 20, 1984, photo. Malone, an NBA Hall of Famer and three-time MVP, died Sunday at age 60. Two weeks ago, Dawkins died at 58.
Moses Malone, right, defends Darryl Dawkins in this April 20, 1984, photo. Malone, an NBA Hall of Famer and three-time MVP, died Sunday at age 60. Two weeks ago, Dawkins died at 58.
Image Source: wsj.com(Photo Credit: Associated Press)

Top 5 Most Offensive Rebounds in NBA History

Here are the top 5 players with the most offensive rebounds in NBA history, showcasing dominance on the glass and the ability to create second-chance points for their teams.

RankPlayerOffensive ReboundsCareer
1Moses Malone6,7311976-1995
2Robert Parish4,5981976-1997
3Buck Williams4,5261981-1998
4Dennis Rodman4,3291986-2000
5Charles Barkley4,2601984-2000

Moses Malone (6,731 Offensive Rebounds)

Career: 1976-1995
Teams: Buffalo Braves, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs

Moses Malone holds the title of the best offensive rebounder in NBA history. He achieved an incredible total of 6,731 offensive rebounds, which is more than 2,000 ahead of the next player. Renowned for his quick second jumps and relentless energy, he once grabbed 21 offensive rebounds in a single game in 1982. He also set the single-season record with 587 offensive rebounds in 1979. During the 1983 Finals, Malone averaged 25.8 points and 18 rebounds, overpowering Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and guiding the 76ers to a clean sweep.

Robert Parish (4,598 Offensive Rebounds)

Career: 1976-1997
Teams: Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls

Robert Parish established his Hall of Fame career through consistency, durability, and rebounding. He is second in offensive rebounds with 4,598. Parish scored on put-backs with smart positioning and soft hands, unlike Malone’s flash or Rodman’s energy. He played a big role in Boston’s frontcourt with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. He grabbed a playoff record 571 offensive rebounds and helped the Celtics win three championships in the 1980s.

Buck Williams (4,526 Offensive Rebounds)

Career: 1981-1998
Teams: New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, New York Knicks

Buck Williams might not be a name everyone knows, but he stands third in the all-time list for offensive rebounds with 4,526. He made a big splash as the 1982 Rookie of the Year, averaging 4.2 offensive rebounds per game while playing for the Nets. Williams was tough and reliable, averaging 3.0 to 4.5 offensive rebounds for ten years in a row. He added 351 more in the playoffs, proving he was one of the NBA’s best rebounders

Dennis Rodman (4,329 Offensive Rebounds)

Career: 1986-2000
Teams: Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks

Dennis Rodman is known as the NBA’s most tireless rebounder with 4,329 offensive rebounds. From 1990 to 1997, he maintained an average of over 5.5 offensive rebounds per game for seven consecutive season. He also recorded 52 games with 10 or more offensive boards. Rodman’s nonstop energy helped the Pistons win titles in 1989 and 1990. He later did the same with the Bulls from 1996 to 1998, proving that rebounding can lead to championships.

Charles Barkley (4,260 Offensive Rebounds)

Career: 1984-2000
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets

Charles Barkley is ranked 5th all-time with 4,260 offensive rebounds. He relied on his strength, leverage, and a quick second jump to outplay taller opponents. In the 1986-87 season, Barkley led the NBA with 14.6 rebounds per game. He was the shortest player to ever win a rebounding title and also grabbed 390 offensive rebounds. His tireless effort led to efficient scoring and allowed him to become part of the exclusive club of 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists.