The 21 NBA Players Who Are 6’11” (2023-2024)
In the NBA, players who stand at 6’11” represent a blend of towering presence and refined skill that is crucial in today’s game. Standing significantly above the league’s average height of 6’6 1/2″, these athletes bring a distinct combination of size, versatility, and skill to their teams.
The 6’11” height in the NBA is often associated with players who dominate in the post, control the boards, and alter shots with their significant reach. Yet, many of these players also possess a skill set that extends to shooting, ball handling, and even playmaking, reflecting the evolving nature of the center and power forward positions.
Players like Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers exemplify this versatility, showcasing abilities that influence both ends of the court.
6’11” NBA Players
| Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Steven Adams | C | Memphis Grizzlies |
| Nic Claxton | C | Brooklyn Nets |
| Andre Drummond | C | Chicago Bulls |
| Nikola Jokic | C | Denver Nuggets |
| DeAndre Jordan | C | Denver Nuggets |
| Jock Landale | C | Houston Rockets |
| Evan Mobley | C | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Filip Petrusev | C | |
| Alperen Sengun | C | Houston Rockets |
| Jonas Valanciunas | C | New Orleans Pelicans |
| James Wiseman | C | Detroit Pistons |
| Omer Yurtseven | C | Utah Jazz |
| Udoka Azubuike | C-F | Phoenix Suns |
| Myles Turner | C-F | Indiana Pacers |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | F | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Kevin Durant | F | Phoenix Suns |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | F | Houston Rockets |
| Name | Pos | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Zach Collins | F-C | San Antonio Spurs |
| Kelly Olynyk | F-C | Utah Jazz |
| Moritz Wagner | F-C | Orlando Magic |
| Cody Zeller | F-C | New Orleans Pelicans |
These athletes, significantly surpassing the league’s average height of 6’6 1/2″, harness their size and skills to make a pronounced impact on the game. Their height affords them the ability to be dominant in traditional big man roles while also offering the skill and agility needed in today’s versatile basketball landscape.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, known as the “Greek Freak,” combines his height with extraordinary athleticism, enabling him to excel in scoring, rebounding, and defending. His ability to drive to the basket and finish with power is matched by his effectiveness in guarding multiple positions.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, renowned for his scoring prowess, demonstrates that height can be coupled with the shooting and ball-handling skills typically associated with guards, making him one of the most versatile and unstoppable scorers in the league.
Player Bios
These 6’11” players underscore the value of height when combined with agility and a diverse skill set, offering a significant advantage in the modern era of pro basketball.
Nikola Jokic
Height: 6’11”
Position: Center
Team: Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic, the center for the Denver Nuggets, stands out in the NBA as one of the most skillful big men in the game. At 6’11”, Jokic combines his considerable size with a remarkable set of skills that includes scoring, playmaking, and rebounding. Known for his exceptional basketball IQ, Jokic redefines the role of a traditional center with his ability to facilitate offense and his vision on the court.
Since joining the Nuggets, Jokic has developed into an NBA MVP, renowned for his unique style of play. His passing ability is unparalleled among centers, and his scoring is both efficient and versatile. Jokic’s presence on the court significantly impacts the game, making him a key player in the Nuggets’ system and a challenge for opposing defenses.
Kevin Durant
Height: 6’11”
Position: Forward
Team: Phoenix Suns
Kevin Durant, a forward for the Phoenix Suns, is widely regarded as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. Durant’s combination of height, shooting skill, and agility makes him an offensive powerhouse. He is known for his ability to score from anywhere on the court, whether it’s through driving to the basket, mid-range shots, or three-pointers.
Throughout his illustrious career, Durant has earned multiple scoring titles and NBA championships, showcasing his impact in high-stakes games. His length, paired with his scoring ability, makes him a difficult matchup for any defender. Beyond scoring, Durant’s presence on the court extends to rebounding and playmaking, making him one of the most versatile players in the league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Height: 6’11”
Position: Forward
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, is one of the most dominant and versatile players in the NBA. Known as the “Greek Freak,” his 6’11” frame is complemented by extraordinary athleticism, making him a force on both ends of the court. Giannis excels in driving to the basket, using his length and agility to overpower defenders.
Antetokounmpo’s journey from a raw talent to an NBA MVP and champion is a story of remarkable development. He has honed his skills to become not just a scorer but also an effective playmaker and a defensive stalwart. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways—from scoring and rebounding to defending and assisting—makes him one of the most dynamic players in the league.
Myles Turner
Height: 6’11”
Position: Center-Forward
Team: Indiana Pacers
Myles Turner, a center-forward for the Indiana Pacers, is renowned in the NBA for his exceptional defensive abilities. Turner is a formidable presence in the paint, known especially for his shot-blocking prowess. His height, combined with his timing and athleticism, makes him one of the league’s top rim protectors.
Beyond his defensive impact, Turner has developed a versatile offensive game. He is capable of scoring both inside the post and from the perimeter, making him a valuable stretch big man. His ability to space the floor with his shooting adds a dynamic element to the Pacers’ offense. Turner’s presence on both ends of the court makes him a crucial player for Indiana.
Steven Adams
Height: 6’11”
Position: Center
Team: Memphis Grizzlies
Steven Adams, the center for the Memphis Grizzlies, is widely respected in the NBA for his physicality, toughness, and work ethic. Standing at 6’11”, Adams embodies the role of a traditional center, using his size and strength to impact the game, particularly in the paint. He is known for his excellent rebounding, solid defense, and ability to set hard screens.
Adams made a name for himself with his strong presence in the post, both offensively and defensively. His ability to control the boards and provide physical defense makes him an invaluable asset to the Grizzlies. Offensively, while not a high scorer, Adams contributes by creating opportunities for his teammates through his effective screen-setting and presence in the paint.
Conclusion
The 6’11” players in the NBA, such as Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Myles Turner, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Steven Adams, demonstrate the significant impact and versatility that this height brings to the league. Far surpassing the average league height of 6’6 1/2″, these athletes utilize their stature to dominate in various aspects of the game, from scoring and defense to rebounding and playmaking.
These players highlight the evolving nature of basketball, where height is not just a tool for dominance in the paint but also a means to facilitate diverse skill sets. Their ability to adapt to different roles on the court underscores the value of combining physical attributes with multifaceted skills in professional basketball.
The success of these 6’11” players is a testament to how the game has grown, embracing players who can fill multiple roles effectively. Their contributions across the court, whether through dynamic scoring, defensive prowess, or being a team’s anchor, prove that success in the NBA is achieved through a harmonious blend of size, skill, and adaptability.
