Five greatest rebounders in Oklahoma City Thunder history

The Oklahoma City Thunder, a franchise with a rich history of basketball talent, has seen numerous standout players since its inception in 1967-68. From the days of the Seattle SuperSonics to the current roster, the team has consistently showcased exceptional athletes. Among these, several players have made significant contributions on the boards, establishing themselves as the franchise's top rebounders.

Leading the pack is Hall of Famer Jack Sikma, who amassed an impressive 7,729 rebounds during his tenure with the SuperSonics. Sikma's durability was remarkable; he played all 82 games in six different seasons and missed only 23 games throughout his nine years with the franchise. His rebounding prowess was evident as he averaged over 10.4 rebounds per game in seven seasons, earning All-Star selections each time. Notably, he recorded averages of 8.3 and 9.4 rebounds per game in his first and last seasons, respectively, showcasing his consistent performance.

Following Sikma is Shawn Kemp, who secured 5,978 rebounds while making a name for himself in Seattle. The 6-foot-10 power forward was a dominant force, earning five All-Star appearances and three All-NBA Second Team honors. Kemp maintained an impressive scoring average of over 15 points per game in every season after his rookie year and was a formidable rebounder, averaging 9.6 rebounds per game during his eight seasons with the SuperSonics. His peak came in the 1995-96 season when he averaged a career-high 11.4 rebounds.

Russell Westbrook, another Thunder great, ranks third with 5,760 rebounds. Known for his explosive playing style, Westbrook is statistically the best rebounding point guard in NBA history. His tenacity on the boards contributed to his 2016-17 MVP award and nine All-NBA selections. Remarkably, he averaged a triple-double in three seasons, achieving over 10 rebounds per game during those years, a testament to his all-around game.

Nick Collison, affectionately known as "Mr. Thunder," follows with 4,701 rebounds. The only player to have his number retired by the franchise, Collison spent all 14 seasons of his NBA career with the Thunder, contributing significantly to the team's success. His rebounding peaked during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons, where he averaged 8.1 and 9.4 rebounds per game, respectively.

Lastly, Kevin Durant, a 16-time All-Star, recorded 4,518 rebounds during his time with the franchise. While primarily known for his scoring ability, Durant also made his mark on the boards, averaging seven rebounds per game throughout his career with the Thunder, including three seasons where he surpassed 7.9 rebounds per game.