Average NBA Height By Position

Basketball is a game that is played by very tall players. You have a 28 percent likelihood of achieving entrance to the National Basketball Association if you appear over 7 ‘tall and have the inherent ability to play the game well. Even then, the player’s height doesn’t always decide their position.

With every upcoming season, the average NBA player’s height fluctuates. In 1987, the average height of players in the National Basketball Association was 6’7 “. NBA players’ physical fitness, weight, and athletic abilities strengthen every new season.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, the average height for men is 5 feet, 9 inches tall. This number comes from data that was published in December 2018. The data was collected between 1999 and 2016 and included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

How do these numbers compare internationally? The data shows that men in other countries like The Netherlands, Germany, Australia, and Canada are slightly taller than the men in the US and average between 5 feet, 10 inches tall and almost six feet.

So, what is the average NBA height today? As we entered the 2022-2023 season, the average height for an NBA player was 6 feet, 6.74 inches. Now that we know the average NBA height, let’s take a closer look at the average NBA height by position.

The Average Height Of A Point Guard In The NBA

In 1952, the average height was 6 ‘ in the NBA. Point guards were regarded as the shortest players. As the years passed, a significant rise in the overall height was observed. In 1987, the point guard’s average height stood at 6’3 “.

Magic Johnson was the season’s tallest point guard in the NBA. At that time, Magic Johnson was 6’9 “, which is a height that is not usual for an NBA point guard.

Performance in this position is assessed by a player’s ability and talents, not by height. With the passing years, there has been an increase in the height of the point guards. And the average NBA point guard’s height today varies between 6′-6.3″.

 

Among the point guards of the NBA, Ben Simmons is the tallest point guard with a height of 6’9 “. The shortest point guard we know of is Muggsey Bogues, who stands only 5 feet three inches tall.

The Average Height Of The Shooting Guard

Usually, shooting guards are somehow taller than the point guards. A shooting guard’s standard height ranges between 6’3 ” and 6’5 “. Height isn’t of huge importance for a shooting guard. They just need to be able to shoot the ball at certain distances and should have impeccable dribbling skills.

James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers is one of the NBA’s best shooting guards and stands at a height of 6’4”.

Earl Boykins, a former American professional basketball player, stood at 5’5” tall and is considered the second shortest player in NBA history behind Muggsy Bogues.

The average height for a shooting guard during the 2022-23 season is 6 feet, 4.18 inches tall. There is a whole foot that separates the tallest from the shortest shooting guard in the NBA. Ben Simmons, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets, is 6’10”.

The Average Height Of The Shooting Guard

Usually, shooting guards are somehow taller than the point guards. A shooting guard’s standard height ranges between 6’3 ” and 6’5 “. Height isn’t of huge importance for a shooting guard. They just need to be able to shoot the ball at certain distances and should have impeccable dribbling skills.

James Harden of the Philadelphia 76ers is one of the NBA’s best shooting guards and stands at a height of 6’4”.

Earl Boykins, a former American professional basketball player, stood at 5’5” tall and is considered the second shortest player in NBA history behind Muggsy Bogues.

The average height for a shooting guard during the 2022-23 season is 6 feet, 4.18 inches tall. There is a whole foot that separates the tallest from the shortest shooting guard in the NBA. Ben Simmons, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets, is 6’10”.

Average Height Of A Small Forward

The small forward has been given the most amusing name among all NBA positions. In the 1952-1953 time period, small forwards had a height of 6’4″. They achieved a height limit of 6’8 ” in the league in the 2015-2016 season.

In comparison, short forward height varies between 6’5 ” and 6’10”. The small forward is typically shorter, faster, and leaner than the power forward. They tend to be much more strategic on the court and score, defend, open lanes, and rebound for the team.

Today’s average height of a small forward NBA basketball player is between 6’6” and 6’9”, which falls between the average height range in previous seasons. Currently, the smallest forward in the NBA is Kennedy Chandler, who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies. The rookie stands 5’11” tall.

Average Height Of A Power Forward

The power forward position has undergone a lot of changes since 1952. Formerly, power forwards were considered giant players of the game. Their strategy revolved around post-ups and rebounds, but this has changed as time progressed.

Power forwards are mostly about making three-pointers at present. There is a 327 percent rise in their 3PA (three-pointers attempted) per match.

While power forward gaming has improved, there has not been much of an increase in the overall height for a player in this position. Height variations are small since the average height has been preserved from 6’7 ” to 6’11 “.

Height isn’t as important as weight when it comes to the power forward position in the NBA. In the last few years, there has been a weight decrease of approximately 10 pounds. This weight loss allows the players in this position to move faster and achieve more flexibility on the court for higher performance.

Average Height Of A Center

NBA players in the center position are considered some of the tallest compared to the other positions. The average height of an NBA center in 1996 was about 7 feet tall, the highest average height overall reported in this position. Who came in at this height? Shaquille O’Neal was slightly over the 7 foot mark. Shaq has played for the Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics.

Rudy Gobert stands at around 7’ 1” tall and is a player for the Minnesota Timberwolves as the center. Gobert has won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award three times.

Shawn Bradley is a German-American former professional basketball player who played center position for the Philadelphia 76ers. Shawn Bradley was also nicknamed “the Stormin Mormon” and is one of the tallest players in NBA history at 7’6”.

The height of a center today varies between  6’9” to 7 ‘. The only noteworthy improvement in this position is the weight. The weight of these players continued to rise from 1996 until 2014, when it reached an average of 229 pounds.

Height Changes And Trends

There have been several improvements in terms of height since the league began. Players grew from an average height of around 6’4 “. Along with some exceptions, the players’ height increased every season. Instructors found that height offered athletes an edge over their rivals, but that attitude altered after 1987.

Without a coach’s support, an athlete like Magic Johnson wouldn’t be as famous as he is. In some positions, this highlights the importance of skills. Magic Johnson stands at 6’9” and was considered a point guard in a power forward’s body. Magic Johnson played 13 years in the NBA and was a part of the Los Angeles Lakers team.

Conclusion:

Who Is The Tallest Nba Player?

There were 26 players listed at 7’3” tall or taller in 2019. However, out of those 26, only three remain active in the 2023-2024 season. Kristaps Porzingis of the Washington Wizards, Boban Marjanovic of the Houston Rockets, and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs.

Is There A Minimum Height Requirement For The Nba?

There are no official height requirements to play for the NBA. So, your height shouldn’t be a deterrent if you want to be an NBA basketball player. Instead, focus on improving your skills and give them a reason to add you to next season’s draft board.

The Average Wingspan Of An Nba Basketball Player

As of 2023, the average wingspan of an NBA basketball player is 6’10”. This is measured from the player’s fingertips of one hand to the fingertips of the other hand. Wingspan plays an important role in basketball because it is how a player achieves long-range shots and blocks. A good wingspan also helps a player dunk more easily and keeps dribbling lower to the floor.

Height and wingspan come proportionately, but you can have a longer wingspan than your height. Kobe Bryant, John Wall, and Michael Jordan are just a few examples of this.

Height And Victory

So, does a player’s height support victory? Perhaps. However, no direct findings show that a taller height equates to more victories on the court. This is where playing tactics and skills come into play. So, height is never really considered an important aspect of a basketball game. While being taller may have some benefits, it doesn’t always seal the victory for your team.

Conclusion

The average NBA player height is in the 6’9” to 7’ range, but there are various heights for different positions that you must also keep in mind.

Point guards are the league’s shortest members, but their skills are the highest. The tallest players can be found as centers on most teams. They are also commonly known as the “pivot” or “big man.”

In addition, there have been significant changes in the performance of NBA basketball players that have reduced the average height. And the average NBA height fluctuates with every season. Players’ athletic success increased after 1987, but they have also retained a considerable average height for the NBA.

FAQ’s:

What is the average height of an NBA player by position?

Since taller players have more chances to get through the NBA player position, passion and skills should be the motivators for shorter players. Yet based on different surveys, the average NBA player’s height by position is between 6’3’’ to 6’9’’.

What is the most common height in the NBA?

Most of the time, taller players are preferred for NBA player positions because they can easily shoot the ball into the goal from a longer distance with more accuracy. Their height also makes it easier to block another player’s shot. The most common height of players in the NBA is listed at 2.01 m (6 ft 7) in shoes.

From 2019-20, NBA teams suggested measuring a player’s height without shoes for more accuracy.

Is 6ft tall enough for the NBA?

NBA teams mostly prefer players above 6ft, but you can make it through with skills and zeal. 6ft may not always be tall enough to play power forwards and centers, but you could make your way to being a small forward and guard by a nose. Remember, the shortest player in NBA history is Muggsy Bogues, at just 5’3″ tall.