Average Weight of NBA Forwards (2023-2024)
In the NBA, where every physical attribute can impact a player’s performance, understanding the average weight of forwards offers valuable insights into the demands of the position.
Forwards in the NBA, encompassing both small forwards and power forwards, are essential for their team’s strategy, often needing to balance agility with strength. This article examines the average weight of NBA forwards*, drawing from an analysis of over 150 players across all NBA rosters.
For aspiring athletes, fans, or followers of the NBA, this analysis offers a deeper understanding of the physical makeup of NBA forwards and how it aligns with the functional demands of modern basketball.
*NBA.com does not distinguish between small forwards and power forwards on their rosters. Also, we did not include players listed as guard/forward and forward/center.
NBA Forward Avg Weight
The average weight of an NBA Forward in the 2023-2024 season is 221 pounds.
However, the overall average doesn’t always give a clear picture. Especially when you consider that forwards range in weight from the lightest guy at 170 all the way up to 284 pounds!
So, to give you an even better idea of where NBA forwards weigh in, we broke the position down into 10-pound increments and tallied up how many players fell into each section.
Forward Weight Scale
| Weight Range | Number of Players |
|---|---|
| 170 – 179 | 1 |
| 180 – 189 | 5 |
| 190 – 199 | 8 |
| 200 – 209 | 21 |
| 210 – 219 | 34 |
| 220 – 229 | 42 |
| 230 – 239 | 34 |
| 240 – 249 | 15 |
| 250 – 259 | 6 |
| 260 – 269 | 0 |
| 270 – 279 | 1 |
| 280 – 289 | 1 |
Using the table above when combined with the overall average weight of 221 pounds, we can draw some interesting insights:
- Most Common Weight Range: The majority of forwards fall within the 210-239 pound range. This group is fairly evenly distributed, with 34 players each in the 210-219 and 230-239 pound categories, and 42 in the 220-229 pound category. This range around the average weight suggests that it offers the optimal balance for forwards in terms of strength, agility, and versatility on the court.
- Fewer Extremely Light or Heavy Forwards: There are very few players at the extremes of the weight spectrum. Only one player is in the 170-179 pound range, and similarly, there are only a few players above 250 pounds, with 6 in the 250-259 pound range, one in the 270-279 pound range, and one in the 280-289 pound range. This indicates that extreme weights are less common and perhaps less favorable for the forward position, which often demands a blend of physicality and mobility.
- Gradual Decrease Beyond Average Weight: Beyond the average weight of 221 pounds, there is a gradual decrease in player numbers. While 34 players weigh between 230-239 pounds, this number drops significantly for those weighing more than 240 pounds. The decrease suggests that while a certain level of heft is advantageous for power forwards, particularly for physical play and rebounding, excessive weight may hinder the agility and speed required, especially for small forwards.
In summary, the ideal weight for NBA forwards tends to center around the average of 221 pounds, with a clear preference for players who can blend size with mobility and skill, essential attributes for the demands of the forward position in modern basketball.
Read More:
Which NBA Forwards Weigh the Most?
Curious to know who the guys are at the bottom of the table above? The 8 guys tipping the scale at 250 pounds and up?
Thought you might:
| Name | Weight | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | 284 | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Kenneth Lofton Jr | 275 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| David Roddy | 255 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Bobby Portis | 250 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Paolo Banchero | 250 | Orlando Magic |
| LeBron James | 250 | LA Lakers |
| Kobe Brown | 250 | LA Clippers |
| Ish Wainwright | 250 | Portland Trail Blazers |
Which NBA Forwards Weigh the Least?
Just as interesting (or maybe even more so) as which guys weigh the most is which guys weigh the least.
The 9 lightest forwards in the NBA weigh under 195 pounds.
| Name | Weight | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Emoni Bates | 170 | Cleveland Cavs |
| Malaki Branham | 180 | San Antonio Spurs |
| Gui Santos | 185 | Golden State Warriors |
| Ousmane Dieng | 185 | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Jaden McDaniels | 185 | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Ziaire Williams | 185 | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Brandon Ingram | 190 | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Jalen McDaniels | 190 | Toronto Raptors |
| Jamal Cain | 191 | Miami Heat |
Conclusion
This analysis of over 150 NBA forwards reveals a definitive trend: the optimal weight for players in this position seems to hover around the average of 221 pounds. This weight range represents a balance between the strength needed for physical play and the agility required for effective perimeter performance.
The majority of forwards in the NBA fit within a weight range that allows them to be versatile on the court, capable of handling a variety of roles from scoring and defending to rebounding and facilitating play. The rarity of players at the extremes of the weight spectrum underscores the unique challenges and skill sets required at those weights.
Ultimately, this exploration into the average weight of NBA forwards highlights the importance of a balanced physical profile in professional basketball, where size must be harmoniously paired with speed and skill to achieve success on the court.
