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Portland Trail Blazers: Who will lead each statistical category in 2022?

By Stevie Cozens

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 16: Cody Zeller #40 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on May 16, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 16: Cody Zeller #40 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Capital One Arena on May 16, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Jusuf Nurkic,
Jusuf Nurkic, /

Rebounds per game – Jusuf Nurkic

Similar to the points per game, there is really only one candidate for rebounds per game in 2022.

The Bosnian Beast is set to line up for what should be the best and most important NBA season of his career. After injuries and then personal issues in the previous three seasons,  Nurk will come into this season in the best shape of his career, while also being in a contract year.

Nurk had some massive moments last season, but with a tough start to the year, an injury mid-year, and then the scheme issues on both ends in terms of ball movement and defense, Nurk just couldn’t put it all together.

This year should be different, and we will likely see Nurk firmly back in the picture as one of the league’s best big men.

At six-foot-eleven and 270 pounds, with a plus wingspan, Nurk is one of the best defensive rebounders in the entire league. He is surprisingly agile for his size and cleans the glass at some of the best rates in the league.

Every year of his career, Nurk has finished in the top third of the league for defensive rebound percentage, and on the Blazers he has been in the top quarter every year.

Averaging 9.6 rebounds per game in just 26.8 minutes per night in his Blazers career, Nurk will lead the team in rebounds again this year, health permitting.