Giants Among Giants: The NBA’s 7’1″ Players (2023-2024)
In a league where height is a prized asset, the 7’1″ players of the NBA stand as literal giants among giants. Their imposing stature, combined with their diverse skill sets, allows them to play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of modern basketball.
The 7’1″ height category in the NBA traditionally aligns with players who dominate the center position, leveraging their size for rim protection, rebounding, and post scoring. However, contemporary players at this size often transcend these classic roles, bringing a blend of agility, shooting ability, and basketball IQ typically associated with smaller players.
Athletes like Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Brook Lopez of the Milwaukee Bucks exemplify this evolution, demonstrating that being a 7’1″ player in today’s NBA means much more than just being a traditional big man.
7’1″ NBA Players
| Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Rudy Gobert | C | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Jay Huff | C | Denver Nuggets |
| Dereck Lively II | C | Dallas Mavericks |
| Brook Lopez | C | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Robin Lopez | C | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Chet Holmgren | C-F | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Luke Kornet | C-F | Boston Celtics |
These athletes stand tall, not just in stature but also in their contributions to the game. Significantly towering over the league’s average height of 6’6 1/2″, they bring a unique combination of size and skill that makes them key players on their respective teams.
Among these towering figures, Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Luke Kornet of the Boston Celtics stand out for their distinctive abilities.
Holmgren, a rookie with immense potential, is noted for his shot-blocking prowess and promising perimeter shooting, offering a glimpse into the evolving skill set of modern big men. Kornet, on the other hand, is known for his ability to stretch the floor as a center-forward, demonstrating versatility in both offensive and defensive aspects of the game.
Player Bios
These 7’1″ players exemplify the dynamic and evolving roles of tall athletes in the NBA, challenging traditional expectations and showcasing the value of height combined with multifaceted skills in today’s basketball landscape.
Rudy Gobert
Height: 7’1″
Position: Center
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert, playing as a center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is widely recognized in the NBA for his exceptional defensive capabilities. Standing at an imposing 7’1″, Gobert, also known as the “Stifle Tower,” utilizes his height and wingspan to dominate defensively. He is a perennial candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award, known for his shot-blocking and ability to alter opponents’ shots in the paint.
Gobert’s impact on the game extends beyond traditional statistics. His presence in the paint often deters players from driving to the basket, and he is adept at rebounding, both offensively and defensively. While his offensive game is centered around the rim, with efficient scoring from dunks and putbacks, it’s his defensive prowess that truly sets him apart.
Brook Lopez
Height: 7’1″
Position: Center
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Brook Lopez, a center for the Milwaukee Bucks, stands out for his unique blend of size and skill. Lopez has transformed his game over the years, evolving from a traditional post player to a versatile big man capable of impacting both ends of the court. He is notable for his ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting, a rare skill for a player of his height.
Lopez’s presence is not limited to his shooting ability. Defensively, he is a key rim protector for the Bucks, using his size and timing to block shots and deter opponents in the paint. His versatility on both offense and defense has made him an invaluable component of the Bucks’ system, contributing significantly to their success, including their NBA Championship run.
Chet Holmgren
Height: 7’1″
Position: Center-Forward
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Chet Holmgren, a rookie center-forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, is quickly making a name for himself with his unique skill set and impressive height. Holmgren combines his towering stature with a surprisingly versatile game. He is known for his shot-blocking ability, thanks to his length and timing, making him a formidable defensive presence.
Beyond his defensive prowess, Holmgren shows great potential on the offensive end. He possesses the ability to shoot from the perimeter, handle the ball, and make plays, which is unusual for a player of his height. His agility and skill set offer a glimpse into the future of the center position in the NBA, where versatility and range are increasingly valued.
Luke Kornet
Height: 7’1″
Position: Center-Forward
Team: Boston Celtics
Luke Kornet, a center-forward with the Boston Celtics, stands out in the league for his height and ability to stretch the floor. At 7’1″, Kornet provides the Celtics with a unique option as a big man who can shoot from beyond the arc. This ability to space the floor is increasingly valuable in today’s NBA, where shooting is at a premium.
In addition to his shooting, Kornet contributes with his size on the defensive end. He uses his height effectively to alter shots and provide rim protection. While not a primary scorer, his presence on the court opens up opportunities for his teammates by drawing opposing big men away from the paint.
Conclusion
The 7’1″ players in the NBA, including standouts like Chet Holmgren, Luke Kornet, Rudy Gobert, and Brook Lopez, represent a dynamic evolution of the role of height in basketball. These players stretch beyond the traditional expectations of size, bringing versatility, skill, and a new dimension to the center and forward positions.
Their towering presence is complemented by an array of skills that challenge the conventional roles of big men. Whether it’s Holmgren’s perimeter shooting and ball-handling, Kornet’s ability to space the floor, Gobert’s defensive dominance, or Lopez’s blend of interior defense and outside shooting, these 7’1″ players are redefining what it means to be a big man in the modern NBA.
The impact of these players extends far beyond their physical stature. They demonstrate the importance of adaptability, skill diversity, and strategic thinking in today’s game. As the NBA continues to evolve, the contributions and development of these 7’1″ players will be pivotal in shaping the future of basketball, proving that height, when paired with skill and versatility, can lead to a significant and multifaceted impact on the court.
