Average Height of NBA Centers (2023-2024)
In the NBA, a league celebrated for its athletic prowess and strategic gameplay, the center position holds a unique place of prominence. Known for their towering presence and pivotal role under the basket, centers are often the giants of the hardwood.
This article delves into a key physical attribute of these players: the average height of NBA centers, derived from a detailed analysis of the 49 true centers across all NBA rosters*.
For aspiring basketball players, fans of the game, or anyone interested in the evolution of player physiques in pro basketball, this analysis offers a comprehensive view of the towering figures who command the paint.
*We only included players listed on NBA.com rosters as pure centers for this analysis, not forward/center.
NBA Center Average Height
The average height of an NBA Center for the 2023-2024 season is 6’11 1/4″.
However, averages don’t often tell the whole story. I wanted to take a closer look.
So, in an effort to give you an even better idea of how NBA Centers stack up, I tallied up how many players are at each specific height – from 6’8″ all the way up to 7’4″.
Forward Height Scale
| Height | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| 6’8″ | 1 |
| 6’9″ | 5 |
| 6’10” | 10 |
| 6’11” | 12 |
| 7’0″ | 13 |
| 7’1″ | 5 |
| 7’2″ | 1 |
| 7’3″ | 0 |
| 7’4″ | 1 |
This table on the height distribution of NBA centers, with an overall average height of 6’11 1/4″, offers several insights:
- Peak at Just Above Average Height: A significant number of centers are at or just above the average height. Specifically, there are 13 players at 7’0″ and 12 at 6’11”. This concentration around and slightly above the average height indicates that this range is most conducive to the typical responsibilities of centers, such as rim protection, rebounding, and post play.
- Decline in Extreme Heights: There’s a notable drop in player numbers at heights significantly above the average. Only a few players are 7’1″ and 7’2″, and just one player is 7’4″, with none at 7’3″. This suggests that while height is generally advantageous for centers, extreme height may present challenges, possibly in terms of mobility and agility (and there just isn’t a ton of 7’4″ humans walking around).
- Rarity of Shorter Centers: At the shorter end of the spectrum for centers, there are very few players below 6’10”, with only one player at 6’8″ and five at 6’9″. This underscores the importance of height in the center position, as players in this role typically need to match up against the tallest players on opposing teams.
To sum it up, height for NBA centers tends to cluster around the average of 6’11 1/4″, with a preference for players who can combine size with the necessary agility and skill required for the demands of the center position.
Which NBA Centers are the Tallest?
Curious to know who the 7 guys are at the bottom of the table above? The ones standing over 7’0″ tall?
Thought you might:
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Boban Marjanovic | 7’4″ | Houston Rockets |
| Moses Brown | 7’2″ | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Robin Lopez | 7’1″ | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Brook Lopez | 7’1″ | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Dereck Lively II | 7’1″ | Dallas Mavericks |
| Jay Huff | 7’1″ | Denver Nuggets |
| Rudy Goebert | 7’1″ | Rudy Gobert |
Which NBA Centers are the Shortest?
Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys are the tallest is which guys are actually the shortest.
The 6 shortest centers in the NBA are all 6’9″ or shorter.
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Bismack Biyombo | 6’8″ | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Jarrett Allen | 6’9″ | Cleveland Cavs |
| Nathan Mensah | 6’9″ | Charlotte Hornets |
| Micah Potter | 6’9″ | Utah Jazz |
| Duop Reath | 6’9″ | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Day’Ron Sharpe | 6’9″ | Brooklyn Nets |
Conclusion
The examination of 49 NBA centers reveals that the optimal height for players in this position seems to be right around the average of 6’11 1/4″. This height range provides centers with the necessary physical presence for key roles such as rim protection, rebounding, and effective play in the post.
The distribution of heights shows a concentration of players around and slightly above this average, indicating that it offers the ideal balance for the demands of the position.
While extreme heights are less common, suggesting potential challenges in mobility and agility, the rarity of shorter centers highlights the critical role of height in matchups and effectiveness on the court.
