Professional basketball has long been the domain of tall athletes, and the NBA is arguably the best representative of that league. The average NBA height is a fascinating topic that reveals much about the evolution of the game, the physical demands of various positions, and how scouting and development have changed over the decades. Although height is not the only factor that defines success as a player, it is usually instrumental in moulding the career of an athlete in the league.
Historical changes
The average NBA height has shifted significantly over the years. Very early in the NBA, in the 1950s and 1960s, the majority of players were around 6 feet 3 inches tall. They appreciated athleticism and versatility back then, but they did not give that much importance to soaring height. With the development of basketball, the league experienced a surge in height in the 1980s and 1990s, with players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Shaquille O’Neal making big-man play the dominant element in basketball. This era saw the average NBA height rise to about 6 feet 7 inches.
Notably, contemporary basketball has begun to shift away from the traditional big man. As perimeter shooting and versatility have become increasingly valuable, the average NBA height has declined slightly, with the current league average hovering around 6 feet 6 inches. This is part of a broader shift to position basketball as a game where talent and versatility are more important than sheer size.
Height by position
The average NBA height varies significantly depending on the position a player occupies on the court. An example is the point guard, who is, in most cases, the shortest person on a team. On average, the point guard is about 6 feet 2 inches. It also allows them to have a low center of gravity, enabling them to change direction quickly and handle the ball more effectively.
Small forwards and shooting guards tend to be taller, with averages of 6 feet 7 inches and 6 feet 5 inches, respectively. They are also responsible not only for scoring but also for defending, and both size and agility play an important part in their game. On average, power forwards and centers are the tallest, standing at approximately 6 feet 9 inches and 6 feet 11 inches, respectively. They should play undersized, take the paint, rebound, block shots, and have a body presence near the basket.
Nevertheless, the NBA has witnessed much variability despite these averages. Players like Allen Iverson, who stood only 6 feet tall, or Manute Bol, who was 7 feet 7 inches tall, demonstrate that the average NBA height doesn’t solely determine success in the NBA.
How height impacts gameplay
Height influences every aspect of NBA gameplay. The taller players naturally possess an advantage, particularly in rebounding, shot blocking, and scoring in the post. It is also easier to defend a variety of positions, intercept the passes, and contest the shots with a longer wingspan.
However, being tall isn’t everything. As the game has evolved to incorporate more three-point shooting and perimeter basketball, players must be more active, quick, and have a better handle on the ball. In the contemporary NBA, athletes such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant are often over 7 feet tall, resembling the height of point guards, which creates a lack of differentiation among players overall. This hybrid style of play demonstrates how the average NBA height must now be complemented by versatility and basketball IQ.
International influence
Basketball has spread internationally to the extent that players in the NBA arena are now reaching new heights of achievement. Foreign players bring new playing abilities and physical profiles to the league. For example, Serbian center and two-time MVP Nikola Jokić is 6 feet 11 inches (2.12 m) tall and is well-known for his passing and playmaking skills, which do not align with his height.
The average height of international players in the NBA closely mirrors that of American players. However, certain countries may produce taller or shorter prospects due to genetic factors, training systems, and talent pipelines. The NBA’s international scouting network has helped identify height-related advantages in overlooked players.
Draft trends and scouting
Height assumes a significant influence in the assessment of talent during the NBA draft. Scouts and analysts accurately gauge the height of prospects with and without footwear, as well as the wingspan and reach of the people standing. While the average NBA height is just one metric, it often influences how players are projected to fit into specific team systems.
Nevertheless, numerous teams are now giving more concern to skills, mental strength, and basketball IQ as opposed to mere physical height and other measurements. In the most recent drafts, we were presented with smaller-sized men, such as Tyrese Maxey or Jalen Brunson, who exceeded all expectations with their practice and in-game smarts. As a result, while the average NBA height remains relevant, it’s no longer the be-all and end-all of player evaluation.
Looking ahead
The average NBA height is unlikely to undergo significant changes shortly. There has been a surge in size and skills in the NBA, and most teams are constructed as a combination of height, athleticism, and versatility. All the focus has shifted to creating versatile players who can defend across the board, shoot 3-pointers, and make smart plays.
That said, basketball is always evolving. As faster training methods, diets, and statistics continue to change and evolve, we can even see new prototypes of players, athletes with the height of centers, the speed of guards, and the shooting ability of forwards. These developments may cause subtle shifts in the average NBA height, keeping it a dynamic and ongoing point of discussion.
FAQs
What is the current average NBA height?
The current average NBA height is approximately 6 feet 6 inches. This has declined slightly from previous decades, when it was closer to 6 feet 7 inches.
Why is height important in the NBA?
Height provides advantages in rebounding, blocking shots, and scoring in the interior. However, skill and versatility are becoming just as important as height in the modern game.
Which position has the tallest players in the NBA?
Centers have the tallest average NBA height, generally around 6 feet 11 inches. They play close to the basket and are expected to control the paint.
Has the average NBA height changed over time?
Yes, the average NBA height has fluctuated over the decades. It peaked during the 1980s and 1990s and has since decreased slightly in recent years, as the game has shifted toward speed and shooting.
Are shorter players still successful in the NBA?
Absolutely. Many players under the average NBA height, such as Chris Paul or Allen Iverson, have had Hall of Fame careers. Talent, determination, and skill can often outweigh physical stature.
Do international players impact the average NBA height?
Yes, international players contribute to the league’s diversity in terms of height and playing styles. Their presence has helped balance out position-specific height trends and introduced new athletic profiles.
