Do rebounds equate to wins? Which players on this least are eating glass for the win, and which are doing it for the numbers? Take a look.

1. Karl-Anthony Towns [17.5 rebounds per game, 38.6 minutes per game]

Towns is the crown-jewel in the aspiring San Antonio Spurs empire, and at just 25 years of age, could be a great player for a decade further. Towns is rated 86 in rebounding [collating both offensive and defensive rebounding ratings and averaging]. Looney is also averaging double-digit rebounds, and when he plays alongside Towns, KAT averages closer to 15 rebounds. Without him, he edges closer to 20. Insane. He is equipped with all the badges you would want – box, moving truck, worm, brick wall and rebound chaser (all in silver). His work ethic is leading to wins.

2. Joel Embiid [17.4 RPG, 35.7 MPG]

My namesake is really the only highlight for the underachieving, fledgling Indiana Pacers. I would love this guy on my team. He is a superstar and he throws that big booty around in the paint, pulling down almost 40% of the Pacers’ total rebounds. Embiid pulls down 4.2 offensive rebounds and his skill inside and on put backs (contact finisher, putback boss) gives his teams bonus second-chance points. Jo-el is loaded with badges that help his rebounding, boasting gold intimidator, worm, box and defensive leader, among others. His work ethic is leading to big numbers.

3. Giannis [17.2 RPG, 39 MPG]

Here is a statistical tidbit for you, and it might not even surprise you – Giannis leads the clippers in minutes, points, rebounds, assists, blocks, FG%, with Rubio just pipping him for steals. He is tasked with doing a helluva lot for the Clippers and rebounding is something the physical specimen has become elite in. His speed and spring and strength allow him to manoeuvre within and through the paint and pull down a heap of boards, with around 30% off his carrums on the offensive end. He plays more minutes than everyone on this list, so despite ranking third, his rate would be much lower down. His work ethic is leading to wins.

4. Nikola Vucevic [16.4 RPG, 35.6 MPG]

Boy, do I love this guy. I typically stray from acquiring younger players, but I could see how skilled and impactful he was back before he broke out. I made it happen and acquired Nik before he blew up and it was very validating. He continues to improve in all facets of the game very season; a testament to his work ethic and professionalism. For the Knicks, he has to compete with Plumlee for rebounds, who is almost in the top ten, himself. Without Mase around, I would imagine ‘Vooch’ would sit atop of the mountain. His work ethic is leading to wins.

5. Steven Adams [15.4 RPG, 31.5 MPG]

No one in the league loves an offensive board more than Steve, and the big loveable lump of a Kiwi pulls down an insane 5.5 rebounds per game. He is immovable on the block and reads offensive plays well, enabling him to put back misses and give Trae and the Magic more chances to splash. I love this deal for the Magic and he is the perfect complementary piece to the offensive players on the team. Adams has gold rebounding badges across the board and is one of the most intimidating players in the league. His work ethic is leading to wins.

6. Andre Drummond [14.8 RPG, 31.3 MPG]

Despite Andre’s reputation and output not sitting at the lofty heights of his glory NLL/Cleveland days, The Drum is still one of the most physically gifted players in the league and with his size and speed he can’t help but be a superb miss-gatherer. The Brooklyn Nets have surprised with their exciting, winning play with most of the credit going to the high-scoring duo of Russell and Murray. However, without the bruising boxing out and extra possessions that Drummond provides, I fear the Nets wouldn’t have reached the heights they have so far this season. In just 31 minutes, like Adams, he would be at the top of the table if he played 37. Drummond has a Hall of Fame Worm badge. No wonder he controls the skies in the paint. His work ethic is leading to wins.

7. DeAndre Jordan [14.8 RPG, 31.7 MPG]

DeAndre finds himself in Sacramento this season and finds himself in a pivotal-yet-familiar role. Sure, he has lost a step or two but he is still massive and athletic and with Noel being shipped out, he is pivotal to any future success that the Kings may have. He has all the badges you want in a big man. Jordan pulls down twice the amount of boards as the next Kings’ player, just highlighting how important his role is in reducing possessions for the other team and giving his team more. His work ethic is leading to numbers.

8. Marvin Bagley [14.7 RPG, 33.6 MPG]

I am still not a huge fan of the decision to move Embiid, but Hawks brass and fans must be feeling good about the development of young and exciting big man in Marvin ‘Bagman’ Bagley. Maybe his nickname should be ‘Board man’ as that’s what he is carrying for the Hawks. The next highest rebounder on the team pulls down 7.1 rebounds. Like DeAndre above, and lots of the players on this list, it shows just how critical of a role he plays on his team and how much he would be missed when he misses games. His work ethic is leading to numbers.