Bill Walton averaged a franchise-best 14.4 rpg during the 1977 season with the Trail Blazers.
The Portland Trail Blazers were established in 1970-71. Over the course of their history, they have seen several great rebounders wear their uniform. Take a look at their top five single-season leaders in rebounds per game.
Bill Walton, 1977, 14.4 RPG
The Trail Blazers selected Walton with the first pick in the 1974 Draft. In his rookie season, he averaged 12.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.7 blocks per game. However, he played just 35 games. He made his first All-Star team in 1976-77 and led the league in both rebounds (14.4) and blocks (3.2) per game. That helped him finish second in MVP voting. He won the award the following season before injuries derailed his career. Walton won an NBA championship with the Trail Blazers in 1976-77 and averaged 13.5 rebounds over 209 games with the franchise.
Hassan Whiteside, 2020, 13.5 RPG
Whiteside averaged at least 10.0 rebounds per game in five straight seasons with the Heat, including him leading the league with 14.1 rebounds per game in 2016-17. He was eventually traded to the Trail Blazers, with whom he played for only the 2019-20 season. He averaged 13.5 rebounds per game that season, which would end up being the second-highest mark of his career.
Leroy Ellis, 1971, 12.3 RPG
The 1970-71 campaign was the only season that Ellis played for the Trail Blazers. He averaged 35 minutes across 74 games, which helped him chip in 12.3 rebounds per game. That season, Ellis also set career highs in points (15.9) and assists (3.2) per game. Ellis played for the Trail Blazers, Lakers, Bullets and 76ers during his career, averaging 8.3 rebounds over 1,048 regular-season games.
Lloyd Neal, 1973, 11.8 RPG
The Trail Blazers selected Neal with the 31st pick in the 1972 Draft. He played all 82 games during his rookie season, logging an average of 33 minutes along the way. He finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, averaging 13.4 points and 11.8 rebounds. Following that season, Neal never averaged more than 8.6 rebounds per game for a season. He spent his entire seven-season career with the Trail Blazers, averaging 7.7 rebounds across 435 games. Neal was also part of the 1976-77 championship team.
Mychal Thompson, 1982, 11.7 RPG
The Trail Blazers selected Thompson with the first pick in the 1978 Draft. He dominated the glass in 1981-82, averaging 11.7 rebounds to go along with 20.8 points, 4.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. He averaged 40 minutes across 79 games, which ended up being the highest mark of his career. Following his time with the Trail Blazers, Thompson played with the Spurs and the Lakers. Over 551 regular-season games with the Trail Blazers, he averaged 16.7 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 blocks. He did not win a title with the Trail Blazers, but he won two championships with the Lakers.
