Last Updated on: 29th April 2024, 06:35 pm
I put together two lists of the tallest PGs in the NBA: one as of 2024 and right now and another for the entire NBA history. Keep reading to find out!
| In NBA History | In The Current NBA Season |
| 1. Ben Simmons – 6’10” | 1. Ben Simmons – 6’10” |
| 2. Magic Johnson – 6’9″ | 2. Jayson Tatum – 6’8″ |
| 3. Jayson Tatum – 6’8″ | 3. Luka Dončić – 6’7″ |
| 4. Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway – 6’7″ | 4. Penny Hardaway – 6’7″ |
| 5. Luka Doncic – 6’7″ |
Who Are The Tallest Point Guards In The NBA Currently?
Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets is currently the tallest point guard in the NBA at 6’10”.
1. Ben Simmons
Standing at 6’10” (sometimes reported at 6’11”), Ben Simmons is one of the tallest players in the NBA and currently holds the title of the tallest point guard in the league.
His height gives him a unique advantage on both ends of the court, allowing him to see over defenders and make effective passes while using his size to dominate in the low post and grab rebounds.
Simmons’ height makes him a formidable offensive threat and a standout defensive player. He has been named to multiple All-Defensive teams throughout his career and was even considered for Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. While his shooting ability may be lacking, Simmons compensates with his incredible vision and playmaking, making him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
With rumors swirling about potential trade destinations for Simmons, it will be interesting to see where he lands next season and how his ability as one of the tallest point guards in NBA history continues to impact his performance on the court.
2. Jayson Tatum
At 6’8″, Jayson Tatum’s height has played a crucial role in his success as one of the most talented playmakers in the Celtics. His size allows him to see over defenders and make accurate passes while giving him an advantage in rebounding and defending. Tatum stands out in history and is one of the tallest point guards in the NBA right now.
Tatum’s ability made him a vital part of Boston’s offense. But Tatum’s success isn’t just due to his physical attributes. He possesses a high basketball IQ and is constantly improving his game.
His work ethic has been praised by coaches and teammates alike, with Celtics head coach Ime Udoka recently saying he wants to be great. With Tatum only being 23 years old, there’s no telling how much more he can improve in the coming years.
3. Luka Dončić
At a height of 6’7″, Luka Dončić has become an offensive powerhouse for the Dallas Mavericks, showcasing that agility and skill can be as impactful as pure strength in basketball. The Dallas Mavericks selected him in the first round of the 2018 NBA draft, and he has since made a remarkable impact on the game with his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Despite facing the high expectations of being a European player transitioning to the NBA, Dončić has exceeded them, quickly becoming one of the league’s most prolific scorers and facilitators. His height and exceptional ball-handling and shooting allow him to see over defenses and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.
While his offensive game is often the highlight, Dončić’s size also contributes to his ability to rebound and his improving defense. He might not be as defensively focused as some players, but his comprehensive understanding of the game allows him to make crucial plays in tight situations.
4. Penny Hardaway
Standing at a commanding 6’7″, Penny Hardaway brought a unique combination of size and playmaking to the point guard position for the Orlando Magic, illustrating that versatility could be just as crucial as brute force in basketball. The Golden State Warriors selected Hardaway in the first round of the 1993 NBA draft and promptly traded him to the Magic, where he quickly became an instrumental figure in the team’s success.
Despite early challenges adapting to the physicality of the NBA, Hardaway’s exceptional vision and ball-handling skills allowed him to orchestrate the offense effectively while also being a formidable defensive presence. His stature gave him an edge in both contesting shots and in matching up against larger opponents, making him a dual threat in both offensive and defensive plays.
Hardaway’s offensive prowess was undeniable, but his all-around play made him a standout. He followed in the legacy of tall playmakers who could do it all, reminiscent of legends like Oscar Robertson, providing a blueprint for future generations of oversized point guards.
Other Successful Tall Point Guards In History
1. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson, who stands at 6’9′, is regarded as one of the greatest point guards ever played in the NBA. He had a remarkable career with five championships, three MVP awards, and nine NBA Finals appearances.
His size gave him an advantage over his opponents as he could see over defenders and make effective passes. Johnson’s size also helped him on defense, as he could guard multiple positions.
2. Oscar Robertson
Another successful tall point guard is Oscar Robertson, who stood at 6’5′. In 1962, he averaged a triple-double for a whole season, an incredible feat no one else had accomplished.
Robertson was a great scorer and passer, with a career average of 25.7 points per game and 9.5 assists per game. His size gave him an advantage over smaller guards as he could post them up down low or shoot over them from mid-range.
3. Ron Harper
Ron Harper, at a height of 6’6″, was a key NBA guard with five championship wins. His defensive skills and height made him a formidable opponent, enabling him to guard multiple positions and contribute to the dominant Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers in the 1990s.
These players prove that size does matter when it comes to playing point guard in the NBA, but it’s not everything.
4. Shaun Livingston
Shaun Livingston, standing at 6’8″, is known for his unique combination of height and skills that made him an exceptional point guard.
His career is highlighted by his versatility on the court, overcoming a significant injury, and contributing significantly to the Golden State Warriors’ success during their championship runs.
Livingston’s journey in the NBA is marked by his resilience and ability to adapt, making him a notable figure among tall point guards in the league’s history.
5. Derek Harper
Derek Harper, known for his height as a point guard in the NBA, stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall. Harper, notable for his defensive skills and scoring ability, had a significant impact during his career.
His height gave him an advantage in both defensive and offensive plays, making him a distinctive and formidable player. His career spanned several teams, showcasing his talents and leaving a lasting impression in the league.
6. Michael Carter-Williams
Michael Carter-Williams, standing at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters), is one of the tallest point guards in the NBA. His height gives him a unique advantage on the court, allowing him to see over defenders and make plays that shorter point guards might struggle to execute.
This rare combination of size and skill makes him a valuable asset to his team, as he can effectively defend against larger guards and contribute to rebounding efforts.
Carter-Williams’ height sets him apart in a position typically dominated by smaller players, and his ability to utilize this physical advantage makes him a notable figure in the league.
7. Dennis Johnson
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Dennis Johnson was a remarkably tall point guard for his era. His size, skill, and defensive prowess set him apart.
Despite being taller than the average point guard, Johnson possessed the agility and court vision necessary to excel in the playmaking role. His ability to see over defenders and disrupt passing lanes made him a unique and valuable asset on both court ends.
Johnson’s success challenged the traditional expectations of a point guard’s height and showcased the versatility that taller players could bring to the position.
8. Gary Payton
Gary Payton, also known as “The Glove,” was a legendary point guard known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the court. While he may not have been the tallest point guard, standing at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), he made up for it with his tenacity, quickness, and basketball IQ.
Payton’s ability to defend larger opponents and his skill in running the offense despite his height made him a unique and influential player in the history of the NBA. His success is a testament to that height is not the sole determinant of a player’s impact on the game.
9. Jason Kidd
When discussing Jason Kidd in the context of tallest point guards, it’s important to highlight his exceptional combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ.
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), Kidd was notably taller than the average point guard, allowing him to see over defenders and effectively orchestrate the offense. His height gave him a unique advantage in rebounding, often outmatching opposing guards on the boards.
Kidd’s size amplified his defensive prowess, enabling him to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes. His stature and playmaking ability made him a rare and influential figure in the history of the point guard position.
10. Walt “Clyde” Frazier
Walt “Clyde” Frazier, known for his impeccable style and exceptional skills on the basketball court, defied the traditional mold of a point guard with his remarkable 6’4″ height.
As one of the tallest point guards of his era, Frazier’s unique physical attributes allowed him to see over defenders, facilitate the offense, and effectively guard larger opponents.
His size, agility, and court vision set him apart, making him a trailblazer for taller point guards in the NBA. Frazier’s impact on the game and his ability to excel in a position typically dominated by smaller players testify to his versatility and basketball acumen.
FAQ
Who currently holds the title of the tallest point guard in the NBA as of 2024?
As of 2024, Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets is recognized as the tallest point guard in the NBA, standing at 6’10”. His exceptional height gives him a unique advantage on the court, enabling him to see over defenders for effective passing, dominate in the low post, and grab rebounds.
Simmons’ stature makes him a formidable offensive threat and a standout defensive player, contributing significantly to his team’s performance on both court ends.
Who is the tallest person in the NBA in 2024?
As of 2024, the average player in the NBA will likely be someone like Bol Bol, who stands 7 feet 2 inches tall. Here is a list of some of the tallest in history.
As of 2023, some of the 7-footers in the NBA include players like:
- Kristaps Porzingis – 7 feet 3 inches
- Rudy Gobert – 7 feet 1 inch
- Deandre Ayton – 7 feet 1 inch
- Nikola Jokic – 7 feet 0 inches
Who is the best true point guard in the NBA?
The “best” can be subjective, focusing on leadership, playmaking, and scoring. Past discussions have highlighted players like Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, and Damian Lillard for their contributions as true point guards.
How tall are point guards in the NBA?
The average height of an NBA point guard has historically been around 6’3″. However, the league has seen a trend towards taller point guards, which changes the dynamic of the position.
