Last Updated on May 23, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The New Orleans Pelicans franchise has featured several elite rebounders since entering the NBA in 2002. From dominant defensive anchors to physical interior scorers, rebounding has played a major role in many of the team’s most competitive eras.

Here are the best rebounders in Pelicans franchise history based on total rebounds, rebounding dominance, consistency, and overall impact.

Anthony Davis

Position: Forward/Center
Years with Pelicans: 2012–2019
Pelicans Rebounds: 4,906 (franchise leader)

Achievements:

  • 6-time NBA All-Star with New Orleans
  • 3-time All-NBA First Team
  • 3-time blocks leader
  • NBA 75th Anniversary Team
  • One of the greatest two-way big men of his generation

Anthony Davis is the greatest rebounder in Pelicans history. His elite length, athleticism, and timing allowed him to dominate the glass on both ends of the floor. Davis averaged double-digit rebounds in six of his seven seasons with New Orleans and consistently ranked among the league leaders in rebounding.

He remains the franchise leader in total rebounds and also owns many of the team’s defensive records. (Land of Basketball)

David West

Position: Forward
Years with Pelicans/Hornets: 2003–2011
Pelicans Rebounds: 3,853

Achievements:

  • 2-time NBA All-Star
  • Key member of the Chris Paul era
  • One of the franchise’s best power forwards
  • Helped lead New Orleans to multiple playoff appearances

David West combined toughness, physicality, and consistency throughout his New Orleans career. While primarily known for his mid-range scoring, West was also a highly effective rebounder who regularly battled bigger centers inside.

His chemistry with Chris Paul helped make the Hornets one of the Western Conference’s best teams during the late 2000s. (Land of Basketball)

P.J. Brown

Position: Forward/Center
Years with Pelicans/Hornets: 2002–2006
Pelicans Rebounds: 2,675

Achievements:

  • Veteran defensive anchor
  • Excellent interior defender
  • Helped establish the franchise in New Orleans
  • Reliable rebounder and locker-room leader

P.J. Brown brought stability and professionalism during the franchise’s early years in New Orleans. His rebounding consistency and defensive toughness made him one of the team’s foundational veterans.

Brown excelled at boxing out, protecting the paint, and doing the dirty work that often goes unnoticed in box scores. (Land of Basketball)

Jonas Valanciunas

Position: Center
Years with Pelicans: 2021–2024
Pelicans Rebounds: 2,368

Achievements:

  • One of the NBA’s strongest interior rebounders
  • Averaged double-digit rebounds during multiple seasons
  • Elite offensive rebounder
  • Key veteran presence during playoff pushes

Jonas Valanciunas quickly climbed the franchise rebounding leaderboard thanks to his elite size, strength, and positioning. He consistently controlled the boards and gave New Orleans a reliable interior presence.

Valanciunas was especially effective on offensive rebounds, frequently creating second-chance scoring opportunities. (Land of Basketball)

Tyson Chandler

Position: Center
Years with Pelicans/Hornets: 2006–2009
Pelicans Rebounds: 2,225

Achievements:

  • NBA champion
  • Defensive Player of the Year later in career
  • Elite rim protector and rebounder
  • Played major role on 56-win 2007–08 team

Tyson Chandler anchored the paint during one of the best seasons in franchise history. His energy, shot blocking, and rebounding transformed the Hornets defensively and complemented Chris Paul perfectly.

Chandler also produced some of the greatest rebounding seasons in franchise history, including averaging over 12 rebounds per game in 2007–08. (Land of Basketball)

New Orleans Pelicans All-Time Rebounding Leaders

PLAYER REBOUNDS YEARS
Anthony Davis 4,906 2012–2019
David West 3,853 2003–2011
P.J. Brown 2,675 2002–2006
Jonas Valanciunas 2,368 2021–2024
Tyson Chandler 2,225 2006–2009
Chris Paul 1,951 2005–2011
Jamaal Magloire 1,776 2002–2004
Zion Williamson 1,768+ 2019–Present
Emeka Okafor 1,759 2009–2012
Jrue Holiday 1,728 2013–2020

(Land of Basketball)

Honorable Mentions

  • Chris Paul
  • Zion Williamson
  • Emeka Okafor
  • Jamaal Magloire
  • Jrue Holiday

Conclusion

Anthony Davis stands alone as the greatest rebounder in Pelicans history thanks to his dominance on both ends of the floor and his unmatched production. David West provided years of interior consistency, while Tyson Chandler and Jonas Valanciunas gave the franchise elite rebounding from the center position during different eras.

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