The first month of any NBA season is always a frantic sprint, and while scoring often grabs the headlines, the battle on the boards is just as crucial. Rebounding is the engine that drives both offensive second-chance points and defensive stops, making the league’s top rebounders invaluable to their teams. Let’s dive into who is dominating the paint and securing possession after one month of action in the 2025-26 season! Here are the NBA’s top 10 rebound leaders after November.

10. Donovan Clingan (Portland Trail Blazers) – 10 reboundsPortland Trail Blazers center Donovan ClinganSan Francisco, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) rebounds the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter at Chase Center. Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

The young big man has quickly proven his capability to dominate the paint in Portland’s system. Averaging a strong double-digit mark, Donovan Clingan is showing early signs of becoming a foundational piece for the Trail Blazers.

9. Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves) – 10.3 reboundsMinnesota Timberwolves center Rudy GobertPhoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) shoots the ball against the Phoenix Suns in the second half of an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The veteran anchor continues his reign as one of the most reliable defensive rebounders in the league. Rudy Gobert’s presence remains essential for the Timberwolves, consistently cleaning up misses and protecting the rim.

T-7. Isaiah Hartenstein (Oklahoma City Thunder) – 10.7 reboundsOklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah HartensteinCharlotte, North Carolina, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) back on defense against Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Isaiah Hartenstein has seamlessly stepped into a starting role, bringing hustle and a high basketball IQ to the Thunder’s frontcourt. He’s proving to be an excellent acquisition, providing crucial size and rebounding for the up-and-coming Oklahoma City squad.

T-7. Andre Drummond (Philadelphia 76ers) – 10. ReboundsPhiladelphia 76ers center Andre DrummondPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond (1) grabs a rebound against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Despite often playing off the bench, Andre Drummond is showcasing his career-long rebounding prowess with elite per-minute numbers. He remains one of the greatest rebounders of his generation, instantly impacting the game whenever he checks in for the 76ers.

6. Kel’el Ware (Miami Heat) – 10.9 reboundsMiami Heat center Kel’el WarePhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) drives against Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Dummond (1) in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The young center has made a significant leap this season, rapidly becoming a force on the glass for the Heat. Kel’el Ware’s athleticism and length are translating into consistent production, pushing him into the elite rebounding territory.

5. Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers) – 11.5 reboundsCleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr.Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr. (22) defends against Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the second half at Rocket Arena. Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Ivica Zubac continues his highly productive tenure, providing the Clippers with reliable size and rebounding on a nightly basis. He consistently delivers double-digit boards, securing vital possessions for a team with championship aspirations.

4. Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons) – 11.8 reboundsDetroit Pistons center Jalen DurenIndianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) holds the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) and guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defend in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Pistons’ dynamic young center is showing no signs of slowing down his rapid ascent among the league’s best rebounders. Jalen Duren’s ferocious energy and physical frame make him a nightmare on the glass, generating endless second-chance opportunities for the Detroit Pistons.

3. Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks) – 12.3 reboundsNew York Knicks center Karl-Anthony TownsDallas, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) grabs a rebound in front of Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (2) and guard Jaden Hardy (1) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Karl-Anthony Towns is doing more than just stretching the floor in the Knicks’ jersey; he’s aggressively hitting the boards in his new role. His high rebounding total shows he’s fully committing to his new power forward position in the New York frontcourt.

2. Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) – 12.8 reboundsDenver Nuggets center Nikola JokicMemphis, Tennessee, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) handles the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. (8) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

The three-time MVP is already putting up MVP-caliber numbers, with his rebounding only narrowly missing the top spot. Nikola Jokic’s ability to seamlessly blend elite passing with dominant rebounding remains the foundation of the Denver Nuggets’ offense.

1. Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) – 12.9 reboundsSan Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) gets back on defense after scoring a three-point basket during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Frost Bank Center. Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

No surprise here: the generational talent is leading the NBA in rebounding, showcasing his immense impact just one month into the season. Victor Wembanyama’s incredible 8-foot wingspan allows him to snag boards with ease, topping the list and setting the pace for the entire league.

Conclusion 

This Top 10 list is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication focused on controlling the paint. Victor Wembanyama holding the top spot is a thrilling development, signaling the arrival of a truly dominant defensive force, while seeing young players like Duren, Ware, and Clingan break into the elite ranks alongside stars like Jokic and Gobert is a great sign for the league’s future.