Everyone knows that most basketball players have a striking height, which makes them stand out among the public. However, have you ever wondered about the average NBA height? Is it 180cm, 190cm or even 200cm?
This article will reveal the answer, and prepare yourself, as the figure is unbelievable. Keep scrolling down for further information!
What Is The Most Common NBA Height?
The average height of an NBA player in the 2023-2024 season reaches 6’ 6.5’’, equivalent to 1.99m, which is relatively comparable to the 2022-23 season (6’6” or 1.98m). This figure is quite shocking, as a typical American man is only 5’ 9’’ tall.
This data depicts the average of a basketball player group as a whole. In other words, the figure is collected and measured from the height of every player in the NBA championship between 2023 and 2024, regardless of their positions, games, and teams.
If you are concerned more about the height range, it should be from 6’ 4” to 6’ 8’’. In the 2023-2024 season, 34 players surpassed this threshold, as they are all at least 7’ tall.
One more interesting fact is that the average shoe sizes of NBA players are also very large. This is because foot size is somehow proportional to height.
Average NBA Height By Position
Interestingly, each position on the basketball team has a different average height. Let’s discover how tall a center, a shooting guard, a point guard, a power forward, and a small forward are.
A Point Guard
A point guard is responsible for handling and keeping the ball. Because of this, this player doesn’t need to be too tall, yet skillful and fast.
In the past, particularly in 1952, players in this position were considered the shortest, with an average height of 6’. However, this figure increased to 6’ 3” in 1987. Earvin “Magic” Johnson is the tallest point guard in the NBA’s history until now.
A Shooting Guard
A shooting guard takes charge of shooting the ball regardless of the distance. Therefore, this player must be quick in passing the ball and have a reliable court vision. In other words, dribbling skills are more important than height.
In 2005, the average height of a shooting guard in the NBA was about 6’ 5”, but even a shorter player like James Harden, who is 6’ 4”, can still perform well.
A Small Forward
A small forward needs to be very fast, agile, and good at shooting the ball, as players in this position must roam over the court and face head-to-head against rivalries.
Hence, agility and speed take precedence over height. Indeed, the average height of small forwards was only 6” 4” in 1952, and this figure reached a peak of 6’ 8” in 2015.
A Power Forward
In the past, power forwards mostly focused on lay-ups and rebounds. Therefore, a basketball coach usually picks the tallest player in a team for this position.
Now, a power forward needs to gain 3-pointer scoring rather than rebounds and lay-ups, but some of the tallest members of a basketball team are still assigned this role. That’s why the average height ranges from 6’ 7” to 6’ 11”.
A Center
As the name suggests, a center is an ace of the game. They are usually the tallest basketball players in a team to make nice rebounds and close shots, so the average height of this position is from 6’ 9” to 7’.
Apart from height, they must be physically strong and good at bouncing to get closer to the basket.
The Minimum Requirement For NBA Height
There is no minimum height requirement for players who want to participate in the NBA championship. Indeed, many short players, like Muggsy Bogues (5’ 3”) or Earl Boykins (5’ 5”), have had successful careers when they devoted themselves to their clubs.
Height is indeed very important in basketball, yet skills and attitudes are more vital. If you put much effort into sharpening your abilities and persevering to challenge yourself, you’ll overcome the height barrier and become a renowned player and even a GOAT.
Some Key Takeaways For NBA Height
- Height is less of a concern now than in the past. The period between the 1950s and 1980s is an era of big men.
- The height average varies depending on the position. However, a center is invariably the tallest player in a game.
- Height is not everything. Skills and work ethic are core contributors to success.
- The tallest player is Gheorghe Mureșan (7’ 7”).
- The shortest player is Muggsey Bogues (5’ 3”)
The Bottom Line
The current average NBA height has been revealed as 6’ 6.5” (1.99m), a figure that normal people admire. Basketball players are indeed gifted with their great height, yet they need to practice and strive to improve every day.
That’s to say, discipline and perseverance are key to success. If you are passionate about playing basketball but your height is limited, don’t worry; sharpen your skills, and opportunities will come!