Average Height of NBA Forwards (2023-2024)
In the competitive landscape of the NBA, the forward position stands as a blend of agility, skill, and physical presence. Forwards, encompassing both small forwards and power forwards, are crucial for their teams’ offensive and defensive strategies.
This article delves into an intriguing aspect of these players: the average height of NBA forwards, derived from an extensive analysis of over 150 forwards* across all NBA rosters.
For young players looking to understand the physical demands of the forward position, fans intrigued by the nuances of player builds, or anyone interested in the physicality of pro basketball, this examination offers a comprehensive look at one of the key characteristics defining forwards in the NBA.
*NBA.com does not distinguish between small forwards and power forwards, only forwards. We also included only forwards here, not guard/forward or forward/center.
NBA Forward Average Height
The average height of an NBA Forward for the 2023-2024 season is 6’7 1/2″.
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 Forwards stack up, I tallied up how many players are at each specific height – from 6’4″ all the way up to 7’0″.
Forward Height Scale
| Height | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| 6’4″ | 5 |
| 6’5″ | 8 |
| 6’6″ | 28 |
| 6’7″ | 43 |
| 6’8″ | 40 |
| 6’9″ | 27 |
| 6’10” | 13 |
| 6’11” | 3 |
| 7’0″ | 1 |
The table above, along with knowing the average height of 6’7 1/2″ provides some interesting insights.
- Peak Height Range: The majority of forwards fall within the 6’6″ to 6’8″ height range. Specifically, there are 43 players at 6’7″ and 40 at 6’8″. This concentration around the average height of 6’7 1/2″ suggests that this range is most beneficial for the diverse responsibilities of forwards, such as shooting, rebounding, and defensive coverage.
- Decline Beyond Average Height: There is a notable decrease in the number of players as the height increases beyond the average. Only 13 players are 6’10”, with even fewer (3) at 6’11” and just one at 7’0″. This indicates that while height is advantageous, extreme height might be less favorable for the versatility required of forwards, particularly in terms of agility and speed.
- Few Shorter Forwards: At the lower end of the height spectrum, there are a small number of forwards who are 6’4″ and 6’5″, with 5 and 8 players respectively. This rarity highlights the exceptional nature of forwards who succeed in the NBA at these heights, likely relying on extraordinary agility, skills, and basketball IQ.
- Optimal Height for Versatility: The data suggests that the most common height for forwards offers a balance between the physical advantages of height and the need for agility and speed. Forwards in this height range are likely to be more versatile, able to contribute effectively in various aspects of the game, from scoring and defending to playing different roles on the court.
Overall, the table illustrates that the ideal height for NBA forwards tends to cluster around the league average of 6’7 1/2″, with a clear preference for players who can blend size with agility and skill, essential attributes for the demands of the forward position.
Which NBA Forwards are the Tallest?
Curious to know who the 4 guys are at the bottom of the table above? The ones standing 6’11” or taller?
Thought you might:
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Aleksej Pokusevski | 7’0″ | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Jabari Smith Jr | 6’11” | Houston Rockets |
| Kevin Durant | 6’11” | Phoenix Suns |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 6’11” | Milwaukee Bucks |
Which NBA Forwards 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 13 shortest forwards in the NBA are all 6’5″ or shorter.
| Name | Height | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Malaki Branham | 6’4″ | San Antonio Spurs |
| Keyontae Johnson | 6’4″ | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| David Roddy | 6’4″ | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Jae’Sean Tate | 6’4″ | Houston Rockets |
| Terry Taylor | 6’4″ | Chicago Bulls |
| Torrey Craig | 6’5″ | Chicago Bulls |
| Haywood Highsmith | 6’5″ | Miami Heat |
| Caleb Martin | 6’5″ | Miami Heat |
| Justin Minaya | 6’5″ | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Admiral Schofield | 6’5″ | Orlando Magic |
| Brice Sensabaugh | 6’5″ | Utah Jazz |
| P.J. Tucker | 6’5″ | LA Clippers |
| Ish Wainwright | 6’5″ | Portland Trail Blazers |
Conclusion
The analysis of over 150 NBA forwards reveals a definitive trend: the ideal height for players in this position centers around the average of 6’7 1/2″. This height range provides the optimal balance of physical advantage and versatility, essential for the multifaceted role of forwards in the game.
The data shows a significant concentration of players within the 6’6″ to 6’8″ range, indicating that this is the most beneficial height for handling the diverse responsibilities of scoring, rebounding, and defending effectively.
The rarity of forwards at the extremes of this spectrum – both shorter than 6’6″ and taller than 6’8″ – underscores the unique challenges and skill sets required at those heights.
Ultimately, this exploration into the average height of NBA forwards highlights the importance of a balanced physical profile in the league, where size must be harmoniously paired with agility and skill to achieve success on the court.
