Last Updated on May 22, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Rebounding has always played a major role in the success of the Atlanta Hawks franchise. From the dominant interior presence of Bob Pettit during the St. Louis era to modern versatile forwards like Josh Smith and Al Horford, the Hawks have featured some of the NBA’s most productive rebounders across multiple generations.

The franchise’s all-time rebounding leaderboard is filled with Hall of Famers, defensive anchors, and relentless competitors who controlled the glass on both ends of the floor. Here are the best Atlanta Hawks rebounders in franchise history.

Bob Pettit

Position: Forward/Center
Years with Hawks: 1954–1965
Total Rebounds with Hawks: 12,849 (Franchise Record)

Achievements:

  • 2-time NBA MVP
  • NBA champion (1958)
  • 11-time NBA All-Star
  • 10-time All-NBA First Team
  • NBA rebounding champion
  • Hall of Fame inductee

Bob Pettit remains the greatest rebounder in Hawks history by a massive margin. He dominated the boards during the franchise’s Milwaukee and St. Louis years, consistently averaging elite rebounding numbers throughout his career.

Pettit averaged double-digit rebounds every season and regularly posted 15-plus rebounds per game during his prime. His relentless motor, toughness, and scoring ability made him one of the most complete forwards in NBA history. Even decades later, nobody in Hawks history has come close to matching his rebounding total. (Basketball Reference)

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Bill Bridges

Position: Forward
Years with Hawks: 1962–1972
Total Rebounds with Hawks: 8,656

Achievements:

  • 3-time NBA All-Star
  • 2-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team
  • One of the best undersized rebounders of his era

Bill Bridges built a reputation as one of the toughest rebounders in basketball despite standing only 6-foot-6. His physicality and positioning allowed him to dominate much taller opponents on the glass.

Bridges produced several huge rebounding seasons for the Hawks, including multiple campaigns with more than 1,100 rebounds. His consistency helped him become the second-leading rebounder in franchise history. (NBA)

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Kevin Willis

Position: Center/Forward
Years with Hawks: 1984–1995, 2004–2005
Total Rebounds with Hawks: 7,332

Achievements:

  • NBA All-Star
  • One of the most durable big men of his era
  • Averaged double-digit rebounds in multiple seasons

Kevin Willis was a rebounding machine throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Strong, physical, and relentless around the basket, Willis consistently gave Atlanta elite production on the boards.

His 1991–92 season stands among the greatest rebounding campaigns in franchise history, when he collected 1,258 rebounds. Willis combined rebounding with scoring efficiency and longevity, helping cement his place among the franchise’s greatest big men. (NBA)

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Dominique Wilkins

Position: Forward
Years with Hawks: 1982–1994
Total Rebounds with Hawks: 6,119

Achievements:

  • 9-time NBA All-Star
  • NBA scoring champion
  • Hall of Fame inductee
  • One of the greatest dunkers in NBA history

Dominique Wilkins is remembered primarily for his scoring and highlight dunks, but he was also an outstanding rebounder for a wing player. His athleticism, explosiveness, and durability helped him consistently contribute on the glass.

Despite often playing on the perimeter, Wilkins finished fourth in franchise history in rebounds, which speaks to both his longevity and overall impact during Atlanta’s successful years in the 1980s and early 1990s. (NBA)

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Tree Rollins

Position: Center
Years with Hawks: 1977–1988
Total Rebounds with Hawks: 5,994

Achievements:

  • NBA All-Star
  • Elite rim protector
  • One of the franchise’s greatest defensive players

Tree Rollins anchored the Hawks defensively for over a decade. Known for his shot-blocking ability and interior defense, Rollins also became one of the best rebounders in team history.

His length and timing made him especially effective on defensive rebounds, allowing Atlanta to control possessions during many competitive seasons in the Eastern Conference. (Basketball Reference)

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Zelmo Beaty

Position: Center
Years with Hawks: 1962–1969
Total Rebounds with Hawks: 5,622

Achievements:

  • 2-time NBA All-Star
  • Hall of Fame inductee
  • One of the best centers of the 1960s

Zelmo Beaty quietly became one of the most productive centers in Hawks history during the 1960s. He consistently averaged strong rebounding numbers while also providing efficient interior scoring.

Beaty’s physical style and strength allowed him to battle against some of the toughest centers of his generation, helping him climb into the top tier of Hawks rebounding leaders. (Basketball Reference)

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Josh Smith

Position: Forward
Years with Hawks: 2004–2013
Total Rebounds with Hawks: 5,407

Achievements:

  • NBA All-Defensive Team selection
  • Elite shot blocker
  • One of the most athletic forwards of his generation

Josh Smith brought elite athleticism and defensive versatility to Atlanta during the 2000s. While he was famous for highlight blocks and transition play, Smith was also a highly effective rebounder.

His quick jumping ability and length made him especially dangerous on the defensive glass, and he regularly pushed the ball in transition immediately after securing rebounds. (Basketball Reference)

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Al Horford

Position: Center/Forward
Years with Hawks: 2007–2016
Total Rebounds with Hawks: 5,144

Achievements:

  • Multiple-time NBA All-Star
  • All-NBA Team selection
  • Key leader during Atlanta’s 60-win season

Al Horford was one of the most reliable and intelligent big men in the NBA during his Hawks tenure. He combined positional awareness with excellent timing to become a consistently productive rebounder.

Horford’s versatility allowed Atlanta to play multiple styles, while his rebounding helped stabilize the team during one of the franchise’s most successful modern eras. (Basketball Reference)

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