The Evolution of Size in the NBA

TLDRThe NBA is not getting taller, but more uniform. The league values versatility and switchability, leading to a homogenization of player sizes and skill sets. Players with size and shooting ability are highly sought after. Specific roles for players based on size are becoming less important as teams prioritize adaptability. While there are outliers with unique size and skill combinations, they are not the norm.

Key insights

📏The average height for each position in the NBA has remained relatively consistent over the past three decades.

🔄Traditional size standards no longer hold as teams prioritize versatility and switchability over specialized roles.

🏀Offensive schemes in the NBA now involve letting the best player handle the ball, regardless of their size.

🔄📈The NBA has become more uniform, with a greater emphasis on players who are both skilled and of average to above-average height.

📈🏀Players with a combination of size and shooting ability are highly valued in today's NBA.

Q&A

Has the average height for each position in the NBA changed over the years?

—No, the average height for each position in the NBA has remained relatively consistent over the past three decades.

Are specialized roles based on player size becoming less important in the NBA?

—Yes, teams now prioritize versatility and switchability over specialized roles based on player size.

Do players of all sizes now handle the ball in the NBA?

—Yes, offensive schemes in the NBA now involve letting the best player handle the ball, regardless of their size.

Are there still players with unique size and skill combinations in the NBA?

—Yes, there are still outliers with unique size and skill combinations, but they are not the norm.

What type of players are highly valued in today's NBA?

—Players who possess a combination of size and shooting ability are highly valued in today's NBA.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The NBA is not getting taller, but more uniform. The league values versatility and switchability, leading to a homogenization of player sizes and skill sets.

02:00The average height for each position in the NBA has remained relatively consistent over the past three decades.

06:00Teams now prioritize versatility and switchability over specialized roles based on player size.

08:00Offensive schemes in the NBA now involve letting the best player handle the ball, regardless of their size.

11:00The NBA has become more uniform, with a greater emphasis on players who are both skilled and of average to above-average height.

14:00Players with a combination of size and shooting ability are highly valued in today's NBA.

Browse more