In a Sports Illustrated article discussing 7-foot-tall NBA players, author Pablo S. Torre estimates that fewer than 70 American men aged 20–40 are 7 feet or taller. During the 2021–22 NBA season, 13 American players matched this height, meaning that those who stand 7 feet tall have an 18% chance of making it to the NBA based on these figures.
While being 7 feet tall isn’t a requirement for NBA success, height undeniably provides a significant advantage in basketball. Despite the potential to improve vertical jumps, height often remains a crucial factor.
Average Height of NBA Players
In the 2021–22 season, the average height of an NBA player was 6’6” (198.6 cm), which is about 8 inches taller than the average American male (5’9½”). However, this is still 13 inches shorter than Gheorghe Mureșan, the tallest player in NBA history at 7’7”.
Interestingly, previous seasons’ height averages were revised downward following changes in measurement protocols starting in the 2019–20 season. NBA teams were required to report players’ actual heights (without shoes), often leading to corrections from previously inflated figures. For example, Kevin Durant humorously notes that he claims to be 7 feet tall socially but is listed as 6’9” in basketball.
NBA Player Height Trends Over Time
In 1952, NBA players were nearly 3 inches shorter on average than they are today. Heights steadily increased until peaking in 1987 at 6’7” (201.2 cm). Since then, a slight decline in height has been observed, partly due to updated measurement rules.
While height stabilized after 1987, players’ weights continued to rise, peaking in 2011 at an average of 221 pounds. This coincided with an era of more muscular and powerful athletes. Recently, the focus on speed and perimeter play has led to leaner players.
Height by Position (1952–2022)
Players’ heights vary by position, with centers being the tallest (6’10”+) and point guards the shortest (around 6’2”). Height trends across all positions reflect changes in the game’s style and player roles.
Over 70 years, NBA players have grown taller and heavier, reflecting shifts in the sport’s demands. The recent focus on speed and versatility, however, signals a trend toward leaner athletes, showcasing the evolving nature of professional basketball.
