How Tall Do You Need to Be to Play in the NBA? A Look at the Average NBA Player Height

June 2024 ยท 3 minute read

Basketball is a sport that favors tall players, especially in the professional level. But how tall do you need to be to play in the NBA? And how has the average height of NBA players changed over the years and across different positions? In this article, we will explore these questions and more, using data from various sources.

Average NBA Player Height by Position

The average height of an NBA player is not the same for every position. Centers tend to be the tallest players on the court, while point guards are usually the shortest. Here are the average heights of NBA players by position for the 2022-23 season, based on data from The Hoops Geek

As you can see, there is a significant difference in height between the positions, with centers being about 8 inches taller than point guards on average. However, these averages do not tell the whole story, as there are many exceptions and outliers in the NBA. For example, some of the best players in NBA history, such as Magic Johnson and LeBron James, were taller than the average height for their position, while others, such as Isaiah Thomas and Muggsy Bogues, were shorter.

How Has the Average NBA Player Height Changed Over Time?

The average height of NBA players has not always been the same. In fact, it has changed quite a bit over the history of the league, as the game evolved and new generations of players emerged. Here is a chart that shows the average height of NBA players by year, from 1952 to 2022, based on data from Basketball Mentality

![Average NBA Player Height by Year]

As you can see, the average height of NBA players has increased steadily from 1952 to 1987, reaching a peak of 6 feet 7 inches (200.66 centimeters) in the latter year. This was the era of dominant big men, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Hakeem Olajuwon, who towered over their opponents and dominated the paint. However, since then, the average height of NBA players has decreased slightly, reaching 6 feet 6.5 inches (199.62 centimeters) in 2022. This is partly due to the recent change in player measurement, which requires teams to submit actual height numbers without shoes, instead of inflated or rounded-up numbers. It is also partly due to the changing style of play, which favors speed, agility, and shooting over size and strength.

Conclusion

The average height of an NBA player is 6 feet 6.5 inches (199.62 centimeters), but it varies by position and year. Centers are the tallest players on average, while point guards are the shortest. The average height of NBA players has increased from 1952 to 1987, but has decreased slightly since then. However, height is not the only factor that determines success in the NBA, as many players have overcome their height disadvantages or used their height advantages to excel in the league. Ultimately, it is the combination of skills, talent, and work ethic that makes a great NBA player, regardless of height.

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