Understanding the Typical NBA Player Height
In the world of professional basketball, towering athletes are the norm. The NBA boasts an average player height of 6’6.5”, making its athletes nearly 10 inches taller than the average American male. This article explores how height varies across different playing positions, how these figures have shifted over the decades, and the relationship between team height and NBA success.
NBA Player Height by Position: Breaking Down the Numbers
With five primary roles on every basketball team—point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center—height is distributed according to positional demands. While ball-handling positions trend shorter, frontline positions are typically filled by the league’s tallest competitors.
Casino.org graph showing average NBA height by position
Point Guards: Speed Over Stature (6’2.5” Average)
The point guard role averages a height of 6’2.5” as of 2022, still considerably above the general male average. Legendary point guards like Allen Iverson (6’0”), John Stockton (6’1”), and Chris Paul (6’1”) proved that skills such as speed, agility, and game intelligence often outweigh height for this critical position. The 2023-24 NBA season features Toronto’s Markquis Nowell at 5’7” and Memphis’ Jacob Gilyard at 5’8”—showcasing that elite talent can come in smaller packages.
Shooting Guards: Versatile, Athletic, Slightly Taller (6’4.5” Average)
Typically standing about two inches taller than point guards, shooting guards average 6’4.5”. Iconic stars Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, both 6’6”, exemplify the blend of size and skill required. Modern shooting guards can often adapt to multiple roles, with players like James Harden and Klay Thompson thriving as versatile “swingmen.”
Small Forwards: Above-Average Height (6’6.4” Average)
Despite the “small” designation, NBA small forwards stand slightly taller than the overall average at 6’6.4”. The position is characterized by players capable of both agility and physical dominance—think LeBron James (6’9”), Larry Bird (6’9”), or Scottie Pippen (6’8”).
Image of LeBron James (6’9″) and Carmelo Anthony (6’7″): Erik Drost/Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Power Forwards: Height Meets Power (6’8.2” Average)
Routinely among the biggest players, power forwards in today’s NBA average 6’8.2”. Their responsibilities include rebounding, setting screens, and mixing power with finesse. The modern NBA features many forwards with guard-like skills—Giannis Antetokounmpo (6’11”), Kevin Garnett (6’11”), Kevin Durant (6’11”), and Dirk Nowitzki (7’0”) have all redefined the position.
Image of Kevin Durant: Tim Shelby/Wikipedia Commons
Centers: The Tallest on the Court (6’10.3” Average)
The center position features the NBA’s literal giants, averaging 6’10.3”. They stay close to the basket, focusing on rebounding, blocking shots, and paint scoring. Currently, Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) and Boban Marjanovic (Houston Rockets) each stand at 7’4”. The tallest NBA player ever, Gheorghe Mureșan, reached an astounding 7’7”.
Image of Gheorghe Mureșan: DoD News/Flickr, PDM 1.0
Trends in NBA Height Over the Decades
Globally, people are taller today than in the past, thanks to better nutrition and healthcare. The NBA similarly mirrors this trend. From the 1960s to the early 2000s, the average NBA player grew about 1.5 inches—parallel to changes in the general U.S. population.
Casino.org graph showing average height in NBA history by decade
The peak occurred in the 1986-87 season (6’7.2”). Since then, while the NBA’s focus has shifted more toward all-around skill rather than just height, the league average has remained stable at approximately 6’6” since the 1980s.
Comparing NBA Team Heights and Performance
Each NBA franchise has its own height makeup. The following table outlines the average player heights by team during the 2023/24 season, alongside each team’s win rate:
| Team | Average Height | Win Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | 6’7.9″ | 41.3% |
| Phoenix Suns | 6’7.4″ | 57.4% |
| Boston Celtics | 6’7.2″ | 77.1% |
| Orlando Magic | 6’7.1″ | 56.8% |
| Utah Jazz | 6’7″ | 49% |
| San Antonio Spurs | 6’6.9″ | 21.3% |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 6’6.8″ | 49% |
| Brooklyn Nets | 6’6.7″ | 42.1% |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 6’6.7″ | 70.3% |
| Washington Wizards | 6’6.7″ | 19.6% |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 6’6.6″ | 66.7% |
| Houston Rockets | 6’6.6″ | 47.8% |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 6’6.6″ | 68.1% |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 6’6.6″ | 68.1% |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 6’6.6″ | 29.8% |
| Dallas Mavericks | 6’6.4″ | 55.3% |
| Sacramento Kings | 6’6.4″ | 60% |
| Indiana Pacers | 6’6.3″ | 56.3% |
| Miami Heat | 6’6.3″ | 51.1% |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 6’6.3″ | 63% |
| Chicago Bulls | 6’6.3″ | 45.8% |
| Atlanta Hawks | 6’6.2″ | 42.6% |
| Detroit Pistons | 6’6.2″ | 13% |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 6’6.2″ | 55.3% |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 6’6.1″ | 63.6% |
| Toronto Raptors | 6’6″ | 39.5% |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 6’6″ | 37.8% |
| Charlotte Hornets | 6’5.8″ | 22.9% |
| New York Knicks | 6’5.7″ | 64.6% |
| Golden State Warriors | 6’5.4″ | 45.5% |
As of the latest season, the Denver Nuggets field the tallest roster at 6’7.9” on average, whereas the Golden State Warriors are the shortest at 6’5.4”. Interestingly, the Boston Celtics have both the third tallest average and the league’s best win rate, hinting at a connection between height and on-court performance—but this link is relatively minor.
Casino.org graph showing 2022/23 win rate percentage vs average team height (starting with the tallest)
Although there is only a subtle upward trend in win rates for the tallest teams, other factors play significant roles in determining success.
Image of “shortest” NBA team, Golden States Warriors: Mike D/Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Is Height the Key to NBA Success?
While physical size gives players a clear advantage in certain matchups, history shows that exceptional skill and determination can overcome height disadvantages. Many of the league’s stars defy average measurements and excel regardless of their stature or their role on the court.
Frequently Asked Questions About NBA Player Height
How many NBA players are 7 feet tall?
For the 2023/24 season, 31 NBA players measure 7 feet or taller. The tallest among them are Victor Wembanyama and Boban Marjanovic, both at 7’4”.
Does the NBA have a height limit?
No. The NBA does not set a minimum or maximum height for players. Gheorghe Mureșan remains the tallest ever at 7’7”, while the shortest player in league history, Muggsy Bogues, played at 5’3”.
Is 6’3” short for the NBA?
At 6’3”, a player is below the NBA average but still taller than the typical point guard (6’2.5”). Position and playing style are more impactful than height alone.
How tall are NBA players at age 16?
Many future NBA athletes are noticeably tall by their mid-teens, but growth rates differ widely. Michael Jordan was 5’11” as a high school sophomore, while Wilt Chamberlain reached 6’0” at age 10.
What is the average height of an NBA player?
The average NBA player in the 2023/24 season stands at 6’6.5”. This figure has remained mainly unchanged since the 1980s.
Looking to dive deeper into basketball trivia? Discover which NBA players have the largest hands or explore the heights found in the WNBA for a fascinating comparison.
