What Is the Average Height of NBA Player? Guards, Centers, Forwards

In any sport, athleticism and physique play a vital role in being productive against opponents. While many games like table tennis, badminton might not be as affected by the height of the player, team sports like basketball, football and volleyball certainly require height as a primary attribute for the player in action. Very few players below the average height of an NBA player succeeded, while taller players dominated the league.
Height provides a significant advantage in the NBA due to its impact on various aspects of the game. Taller players have an easier time shooting, rebounding, and blocking shots, making them more effective on both offense and defense. While height is not the only factor determining a player’s ability on the court, it is one of the crucial factors affecting his efficiency. In this article we will check the average height of NBA players per position and also rank NBA teams with their average player height in 2025.

What is the Average Height of an NBA Player in 2025?

As per the league’s roster survey, the average height of an NBA player is 6' 7" or 1.99 M, entering the 2024-25 season. The survey also classified that 39 players who stand 7' or taller and twelve players are 6' or shorter. Considering the total number of players in the league – 560, players well below and well above the average height are just 9.10%. The current average height is in line with the league's median over the past four decades, ranging between 6' 6" and 6' 7".
But it is important to note that the player’s height varies as per their position. Closer to the rim, players tend to be taller, allowing them to make or block the shot and even grab rebounds easily. Also, players operating away from the rim could be shorter than the average height of the NBA players. Check out the average height of NBA players as per their playing positions below.

Average NBA Height by Position

As mentioned earlier, height plays an important role in the game of basketball, allowing the to make an impact on both ends of the floor, but athleticism, ball handling abilities and elite shooting skills can also set players apart from those on the court. Stephen Curry is a prime example of a player who is shorter than the average height of an NBA player in 2025, yet finds it easy to score with his dribbling and shooting prowess. Further, we will break down the average height of NBA player per position.

Average Height of a Point Guard

Traditionally, point guards are the shortest players on the team, responsible for directing the offense, distributing the ball, and setting up plays. However, recent trends show that point guards are becoming taller, with many now standing around 6'3" to 6'5". This shift allows them to have better vision over defenders and be more effective on both ends of the court. As of 2025, the average height of a point guard is between 6'1" and 6'4".

The shorter height than the league median, this range allows point guards to balance agility, court vision, and the ability to defend against taller opponents.

Average Height of a Shooting Guard

The average height of shooting guards in the NBA is in line with the median height of the NBA players. They stand approximately around 6’5”-6’7”. Known for their scoring ability, especially from long-range shooting, the shooting guards area major source of scoring for the side.

Their height allows them to shoot over defenders and be effective in both perimeter and inside scoring. Their role also includes the ability to handle the ball and shoot from a distance, meaning keeping the best balance between the offensive duties.

Average Height of a Small Forward

Small forwards are often considered the most versatile players, impacting the game at both ends of the floor. They are capable of scoring from the inside and the perimeter. These players are even vital at the defensive end, and their height and agility enable them to guard multiple positions.
In 2025, the average height of the small forward will range from 6’6” to 6’9”. LeBron James, standing at 6’9”, is a prime example of the small forward who impacts the game in multiple ways. Though LeBron James stands just above the average height of the small forward position in the league, he even plays at the power forward role for smaller lineups.

Average Height of a Power Forward

Power forwards in the NBA typically fall within a range of 6'9" to 6'11". Power forwards play close to the basket, focusing on rebounding, setting screens, and scoring in the paint. Their height and strength are crucial for battling in the post and protecting the rim.
Power forwards nowadays are even used for the spacing, allowing the center to have full control of the glass. They are also versatile players, focusing more on the defensive end of the plays.

Average Height of a Center

Centers are typically the tallest players on the team, specializing in rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring near the basket. Their height is a significant advantage in protecting the rim and securing offensive or defensive rebounds. These players hardly move away from the paint region and have to be quick in their actions to grab second-chance opportunities. The average height of the center in the NBA is 6’11”.
Shaquille O’Neal, Yao Ming were powerful centers in the league, standing above 7 feet in height, while currently Victor Wembanyama and Zach Edey stand above 7’3”. Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, both at 7 feet 7 inches, were the tallest players in the NBA.

Team-Wise Average Height of NBA Players

Based on the data collected before the start of the 2024-25 season. Teams with the height advantage usually performed well in the league, but recent trends with smaller lineups and range shooting allow teams to focus more on the shooting capabilities more, than the height. Here is a breakdown of NBA teams by their average player height:

Why Height Matters in the NBA?

While taller teams often have advantages in rebounding and interior defense. Traditionally, teams with the taller players’ presence on the roster dominated the league, with Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain excelling in scoring, rebounds and shot blocks.
But in recent years, height has not guaranteed success. For instance, the Washington Wizards have an average height of 6'6.38" but have struggled in performance metrics. Conversely, shorter teams like the Golden State Warriors have excelled by leveraging speed, shooting, and strategic playmaking. This underscores the importance of a balanced roster and adaptable strategies over sheer physical attributes.

Height Requirement to Play in the NBA

No, the NBA does not have a height requirement to play in the league. The league prioritizes talent and skill over height. However, taller players generally have an advantage due to their greater reach and ability to block shots. The focus is on a player's skill and abilities, not their height. There have been successful NBA players who are shorter than average, such as Tyrone "Muggsy" Bogues, who was 5'3".
While not a requirement, taller players generally have an advantage in basketball due to their ability to reach higher and block shots.