4 Tallest Forwards in the NBA (2023-2024)
In a league celebrated for its athletic giants, a special group of players stands out for their extraordinary height and on-court prowess. After an extensive examination of over 150 forwards currently on NBA rosters, we’ve identified the four tallest forwards in the league, each standing at a staggering 6’11” or taller.
This article is dedicated to these towering titans, who not only bring an imposing physical presence but also a diverse range of skills that defy traditional expectations.
They blend the size traditionally associated with centers with the versatility and agility of forwards. From altering shot trajectories to dominating the paint, their impact is felt on both ends of the court.
*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.
Tallest NBA Forwards
| 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 |
The exceptional height of these four forwards in the NBA, all standing at 6’11” or taller, is even more remarkable when contrasted with the average height of a forward in the league, which is approximately 6’7½”. This significant height advantage of at least 3½ inches not only sets them apart physically but also impacts the way they play the game.
Their towering stature allows them to have an enhanced presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively. It gives them an edge in rebounding, shot-blocking, and altering opponents’ shots. Offensively, their height enables them to shoot over defenders more easily and be a constant threat near the rim.
However, what truly makes these players stand out is their ability to combine this height with the agility, speed, and skills typically associated with shorter forwards.
Player Bios
Kevin Durant
Team: Phoenix Suns
Height: 6’11” (or 6’10”?)
Kevin Durant, whose height has been a topic of much discussion, is often listed at 6’10” but is considered to be 6’11”. Durant played college basketball for one season with the University of Texas before being selected as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2007 NBA Draft.
Durant’s career is marked by his exceptional scoring ability, versatility, and efficiency, making him one of the most potent offensive players in the league. A multiple-time NBA scoring champion and two-time NBA Finals MVP with the Golden State Warriors, Durant has been named to numerous All-NBA teams and All-Star teams throughout his career.
His accolades include the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2008 and an NBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2014.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Height: 6’11”
Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the “Greek Freak,” stands at 6’11” and is celebrated for his extraordinary athleticism and versatility. Antetokounmpo was selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 NBA Draft.
His meteoric rise in the NBA is characterized by his ability to play multiple positions, from forward to center. Giannis is known for his exceptional speed, strength, and ball-handling skills, which are rare for a player of his size.
He has won multiple NBA Most Valuable Player Awards and led the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA Championship in 2021, earning the NBA Finals MVP for his performance. Antetokounmpo has also been a fixture in the NBA All-Star games and has been named to several All-NBA and All-Defensive teams.
Aleksej Pokusevski
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Height: 7’0″
Aleksej Pokusevski, standing at 7 feet, is one of the tallest forwards in the NBA, playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Born in Belgrade, Serbia, Pokusevski began his professional career with Olympiacos in Greece before being drafted 17th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Pokusevski’s rookie season in the NBA was marked by a record-setting performance; he became the youngest player in franchise history to score over 20 points in a game and the youngest in the league to achieve a stat line of 20-plus points, 10-plus rebounds, and 5-plus three-pointers in a game.
He recorded his first NBA triple-double in April 2022, becoming one of the youngest in NBA history to achieve this feat.
Jabari Smith Jr.
Team: Houston Rockets
Height: 6’11”
The son of former professional basketball player Jabari Smith Sr., he started playing basketball at a young age. Smith attended Sandy Creek High School, where he excelled, leading his team to a state championship appearance and earning titles like Mr. Georgia Basketball and Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year.
After a standout freshman year at Auburn, where he was named an All-American and won the USBWA National Freshman of the Year Award, Smith declared for the 2022 NBA Draft.
Selected by the Rockets with the third overall pick, Smith had an impactful rookie season, averaging 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His length and shooting ability, along with his defensive skills, make him a versatile and promising young player in the league.
Conclusion
These four tallest forwards in the NBA, each standing at 6’11” or taller, are not only notable for their exceptional height but also for the significant impact they have on the game.
They exemplify how the forward position in basketball has evolved, blending the size typically associated with centers with the agility and skill set of traditional forwards.
As the NBA continues to evolve, these players stand as towering examples of how physical attributes can be maximized to create a unique and dominating style of play.
