Last Updated on May 22, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The Chicago Bulls are most famous for the Michael Jordan dynasty years, but rebounding has always been a major part of the franchise’s identity. From dominant interior forces like Dennis Rodman and Artis Gilmore to versatile stars such as Scottie Pippen and Joakim Noah, the Bulls have featured elite rebounders across multiple eras.

Here are the best rebounders in Chicago Bulls franchise history.

Michael Jordan

Position: Guard
Years with Bulls: 1984–1993, 1995–1998
Total Rebounds with Bulls: 5,836 (Franchise Record)

Achievements:

  • 6-time NBA champion
  • 5-time NBA MVP
  • 14-time NBA All-Star
  • Hall of Fame inductee
  • Widely regarded as the greatest player in NBA history

Michael Jordan is remembered primarily for scoring, defense, and competitiveness, but he also finished his Bulls career as the franchise’s all-time rebounding leader.

Jordan’s athleticism and relentless intensity allowed him to rebound at an elite level for a guard. He averaged more than six rebounds per game during his career with Chicago and regularly helped the Bulls control possessions during their championship runs. (Land of Basketball)

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Tom Boerwinkle

Position: Center
Years with Bulls: 1968–1978
Total Rebounds with Bulls: 5,745

Achievements:

  • One of the franchise’s original stars
  • Elite rebounder during the 1970s
  • Recorded multiple 1,000-rebound seasons

Tom Boerwinkle quietly became one of the best rebounders in Bulls history during the franchise’s early years. The 7-foot center consistently controlled the glass and anchored Chicago’s interior defense throughout the 1970s.

Boerwinkle posted several dominant rebounding seasons, including a 1,133-rebound campaign in 1970–71 that remains among the best in franchise history. (Land of Basketball)

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Scottie Pippen

Position: Forward
Years with Bulls: 1987–1998, 2003–2004
Total Rebounds with Bulls: 5,726

Achievements:

  • 6-time NBA champion
  • 7-time NBA All-Star
  • Hall of Fame inductee
  • One of the greatest two-way players ever

Scottie Pippen’s versatility made him one of the most complete players in NBA history. Although known primarily for defense and playmaking, Pippen was also an excellent rebounder from the wing.

His length, athleticism, and instincts allowed him to consistently contribute on the boards during Chicago’s championship years. Pippen also ranks first in Bulls playoff rebounding history. (Land of Basketball)

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Joakim Noah

Position: Center
Years with Bulls: 2007–2016
Total Rebounds with Bulls: 5,387

Achievements:

  • NBA Defensive Player of the Year
  • 2-time NBA All-Star
  • All-NBA First Team selection
  • One of the franchise’s best defensive centers

Joakim Noah became the emotional leader of the Bulls during the late 2000s and early 2010s. His energy, hustle, and defensive intensity made him one of the NBA’s top rebounders during his prime.

Noah regularly battled for loose balls and controlled the defensive glass while also serving as a playmaker offensively. His all-around impact helped lead Chicago to multiple strong regular seasons under Tom Thibodeau. (Land of Basketball)

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Jerry Sloan

Position: Guard
Years with Bulls: 1966–1976
Total Rebounds with Bulls: 5,385

Achievements:

  • 2-time NBA All-Star
  • Hall of Fame inductee
  • Defensive icon
  • First player to have jersey retired by the Bulls

Jerry Sloan was one of the toughest guards of his era and an exceptional rebounder despite playing in the backcourt. His physical style and relentless effort helped him become one of the franchise’s all-time leaders in rebounds.

Sloan’s rebounding ability reflected the gritty identity he brought to Chicago throughout his career. (Land of Basketball)

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Artis Gilmore

Position: Center
Years with Bulls: 1976–1982, 1987
Total Rebounds with Bulls: 5,342

Achievements:

  • Hall of Fame inductee
  • 6-time NBA All-Star
  • ABA MVP
  • One of the most dominant centers of his era

Artis Gilmore brought elite size and rebounding production to the Bulls after arriving from the ABA. Standing 7-foot-2, Gilmore consistently controlled the paint and posted massive rebounding totals throughout the late 1970s.

He recorded three separate seasons with more than 1,000 rebounds for Chicago and remains one of the franchise’s greatest centers. (Land of Basketball)

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Horace Grant

Position: Forward
Years with Bulls: 1987–1994
Total Rebounds with Bulls: 4,721

Achievements:

  • 3-time NBA champion with Bulls
  • NBA All-Star
  • Elite defender and rebounder
  • Key member of Chicago’s first three-peat

Horace Grant was one of the most important supporting players during the Bulls’ early 1990s dynasty. His rebounding, defense, and toughness gave Chicago much-needed interior stability alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

Grant consistently averaged strong rebounding numbers and played a major role in the Bulls’ success during their first championship era. (Land of Basketball)

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Dennis Rodman

Position: Forward
Years with Bulls: 1995–1998
Total Rebounds with Bulls: 2,720

Achievements:

  • 3-time NBA champion with Bulls
  • Hall of Fame inductee
  • 7-time NBA rebounding champion
  • One of the greatest rebounders ever

Dennis Rodman spent only three seasons with Chicago, but his rebounding impact was historic. Rodman led the NBA in rebounds per game during each of his Bulls seasons and delivered some of the greatest rebounding campaigns in franchise history.

His 1,201 rebounds during the 1997–98 season remain the highest single-season total in Bulls history. Rodman’s anticipation, positioning, and relentless energy made him arguably the greatest pure rebounder the game has ever seen. (Basketball Reference)

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