Last Updated on: 19th September 2023, 12:03 am
Basketball is a sport that values physical attributes such as height, speed, and athleticism. However, other skills like ball handling and decision-making precede height in the point guard position. Despite this, some players have defied convention and become successful tall point guards in the NBA. These players stand out not only for their unique physical characteristics but also for their ability to adapt to the demands of their position.
As basketball continues to evolve, the role of the point guard has also changed. Once considered primarily as playmakers or distributors of the ball, modern point guards are now expected to contribute more offensively and defensively. This has led to an increase in taller players taking on this crucial role.
We will explore some of the tallest point guards in NBA history, examine their advantages on the court, and analyze how they fit into different team dynamics. We will also highlight some successful shorter-point guards who have significantly contributed to their teams despite not having height as an advantage.
Who Are The Tallest Point Guards In The NBA?
Here are some of the tallest point guards in NBA history, according to various sources:
- Ben Simmons – 6’11”
- Magic Johnson – 6’9″
- Shaun Livingston – 6’8″
- Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway – 6’7″
- Lamar Odom – 6’10”
- Kyle Anderson – 6’9″
- Yuta Watanabe – 6’9″
- Nicolas Batum – 6’8″
Ben Simmons is currently the tallest point guard in the NBA at 6’11”. Magic Johnson, who played in the 1980s and 1990s, was also a notable tall point guard at 6’9″. Other players on the list include Shaun Livingston, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, Lamar Odom, Kyle Anderson, Yuta Watanabe, and Nicolas Batum. It’s worth noting that some of these players may have played other positions during their careers, but they have all played point guard at some point.
Physical Characteristics
When scouting for players, height and wing span are key factors that NBA scouts consider. However, in the point guard position, ball-handling skills and game IQ play a bigger role than physical characteristics.
While taller point guards like Ben Simmons have an advantage over shorter players because of their height, successful shorter point guards like Steph Curry and Damian Lillard have proven that height is not always the most important factor.
The average height for NBA point guards is 6 feet and 2.5 inches; however, some tall point guards use their height advantage offensively and defensively to make a significant impact in the game. The tallest player currently playing the position is Ben Simmons at 6’11’. Kyle Anderson and Yuta Watanabe are also among the tallest point guards in the NBA at 6’9′.
Despite this trend towards taller point guards, ball-handling skills and game IQ remain crucial for success in this position.
Advantages of Height
If you’re a basketball player looking to dominate on the court, having height as an advantage can be a game-changer. Tall point guards have the edge over their shorter counterparts, allowing them to see over defenders and make effective passes. They can also use their height to take advantage of mismatches down low and grab rebounds.
There is a significant difference in average height between tall point guards and the average point guard in the NBA. According to statistics, the average height of a point guard in the league is 6 feet and 2.5 inches. In contrast, some of the tallest point guards, like Ben Simmons (6’11”), Kyle Anderson (6’9″), and Yuta Watanabe (6’9″) have a clear height advantage over most players at their position. Below is a table that highlights some of the tallest players who have played as point guards:
| Tallest Point Guards in NBA History |
|---|
| Ben Simmons – 6’11” |
| Magic Johnson – 6’9″ |
| Kyle Anderson – 6’9″ |
| Yuta Watanabe – 6’9″ |
This gives them an offensive and defensive edge that can impact games significantly. However, it’s important to note that while the height can be an advantage for point guards, ball-handling skills and game IQ still play a crucial role in determining success on the court. With this understanding of how advantageous height can be for basketball players, let’s look at some successful tall point guards throughout history without skipping any transitions into subsequent sections.
Successful Tall Point Guards
There have been some seriously successful tall ball-handling legends in the game, and we’re diving into their accomplishments.
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.
Another successful tall point guard is Oscar Robertson, who stood at 6’5′. He averaged a triple-double for a whole season in 1962, 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.
These two players prove that size does matter when it comes to playing point guard in the NBA, but it’s not everything.
While height can be an advantage for point guards, many successful shorter players like Muggsy Bogues, Spud Webb, Nate Robinson, Isaiah Thomas, and more have excelled at this position in the league.
Successful Short Point Guards
Successful shorter players have also excelled at the point guard position in the league, such as Steph Curry, who revolutionized the game with his shooting ability and has won three NBA championships. Despite being only 6 feet and 3 inches tall, he has consistently been one of the league’s top scorers and playmakers, earning him two MVP awards. He is known for his quick release, deadly accuracy from beyond the arc, and ability to create space using his dribbling skills.
Other successful shorter point guards include Damian Lillard, who has led the Portland Trail Blazers to several playoff appearances and has been named an All-Star six times. Chris Paul is another standout player who has established himself as one of the best passers in NBA history, with over 10 assists per game throughout his career. Russell Westbrook is a triple-double machine with nine seasons averaging a triple-double under his belt. Isaiah Thomas was a fan favorite during his time with the Boston Celtics before injuries derailed his career.
These players prove that height isn’t always necessary for success at the point guard position in a league dominated by some of the tallest players in professional sports.
The point guard’s role extends beyond scoring points on offense or playing lockdown defense on opposing guards.
Point Guard’s Role
While successful shorter point guards have proven that height is not the only determining factor for success in the NBA, it’s important to understand the unique role of a point guard on the court. Point guards are considered the extension of their coaches, responsible for running the offense and ensuring their teammates are in the right positions. They’re also tasked with guarding the opposing team’s lead guard, often one of their opponent’s best players.
One way to measure a point guard’s effectiveness is through assists per game, which measures how many times they set up their teammates for scoring opportunities. While tall players like Ben Simmons can use their height advantage to see over defenders and make effective passes, shorter players like Steph Curry rely on speed and quick decision-making to distribute the ball efficiently. Whether tall or short, a successful point guard must be an excellent communicator and leader on and off the court throughout their basketball career.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Height | Lack of Speed |
| Wing Span | Inability to Guard Faster Players |
| Rebounding Ability | Difficulty Shooting from Outside |
As we can see from this table, there are advantages and disadvantages regarding the physical characteristics of a point guard. While height may give some players an advantage over others in terms of seeing over defenders or rebounding ability, it doesn’t necessarily translate into overall success as a role player on a team. It’s important for any aspiring NBA player, regardless of position or physical attributes, to focus on developing skills such as communication, leadership, and decision-making abilities both with and without ball possession while playing basketball at any level. These qualities, combined with good teamwork dynamics within teams’ systems designed around specific strengths & weaknesses among its members, will ultimately determine your success in this highly competitive industry.
Moving forward into nba point guard statistics section – let’s take a closer look at how different factors such as height, assists per game, and other metrics can impact a point guard’s success in the NBA.
NBA Point Guard Statistics
Are you curious about how your favorite NBA point guards stack against each other regarding statistics and metrics? Let’s dive into the numbers and see which players are on top!
Despite being one of the shortest positions in the league, point guards have a crucial role in leading their team’s offense. On average, NBA point guards stand at 6 feet and 2.5 inches tall, but some of the tallest players in this position are making waves with their unique skill sets.
Tall point guards like Ben Simmons have an inherent advantage over their shorter counterparts due to their height advantage. However, shooting abilities can also make or break a player’s success as a point guard.
Some of the best in history include Jason Kidd, who led the league in assists five times while averaging over two steals per game for 11 seasons, and Oscar Robertson, who was on the taller end of the spectrum for point guards and was even able to average a triple-double for an entire season. Additionally, Gary Payton is one notable example of how defensive skills can make a standout player despite not being the tallest on the court.
Career averages also play a major role in determining success, as seen through Nicolas Batum’s impressive career average of 16.8 points per game and 5.8 rebounds while playing small forward for Clippers.
As we’ve seen, statistics alone don’t tell us everything about what makes an exceptional NBA point guard. It’s important to look at individual accomplishments such as Luka Doncic being named Euroleague MVP and champion before joining Dallas Mavericks, where he has already been named three-time All-NBA first-team selection or Michael Carter-Williams earning Rookie of The Year title back in 2014 when he played for Philadelphia 76ers.
While these achievements are impressive on their own, they only scratch the surface when an understanding what truly makes an outstanding NBA Point Guard.
Individual Accomplishments
Now, let’s take a look at what you can learn from the individual accomplishments of some of the most legendary point guards in the game.
Standing at 6’5, Oscar Robertson was one of the tallest point guards in his era and considered one of the greatest all-around players in the history of the NBA. He was the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season, with 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game during the 1961-62 season. During his illustrious career, Robertson also won an Olympic gold medal and an NBA championship.
Gary Payton, also known as ‘The Glove,’ stood at 6’4′ and was known for his trash-talking attitude and defensive prowess on the court. He remains the only point guard to have won the NBA’s best defensive player award and led the Seattle Supersonics to an NBA Finals appearance in 1996 against Michael Jordan‘s Chicago Bulls. Payton finished his career with nine All-Star selections, two Olympic gold medals, and a reputation as one of basketball’s fiercest competitors.
Despite their height disadvantage compared to other positions on average, these tallest players proved that being a successful point guard goes beyond physical stature in terms of individual accomplishments within their careers as NBA players.
Moving onto other NBA facts…
Other NBA Facts
While height is often highly valued in the NBA, there have been successful players of all sizes. However, it can’t be denied that the tallest players often have an advantage on the court.
In addition to Ben Simmons, several other notable point guards stand at 6’8” or taller. These players include Kyle Anderson, Yuta Watanabe, Nicolas Batum, Jayson Tatum, Cam Reddish, and Brandon Clarke.
It’s important to note that while these players may be some of the tallest point guards in the league currently, their size doesn’t necessarily dictate their success on the court. It’s still crucial for them to possess strong ball-handling skills and game IQ to thrive as a point guard in the NBA.
Nevertheless, their size can give them a significant edge over smaller opponents when rebounding and passing over defenders.
As we discuss Ben Simmons specifically, seeing how his towering stature impacts his performance on the court compared to other NBA point guards of varying sizes will be interesting.
Ben Simmons
Standing at 6’11”, Ben Simmons is one of the tallest players in the NBA and currently holds the title for 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. Despite missing the entire 2021-2022 season due to personal reasons, Simmons has proven himself as an elite player with impressive defensive skills and a high assist-per-game average.
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 skills, 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.
Moving onto Kyle Anderson…
Kyle Anderson
Get ready to learn about Kyle Anderson, a solid playmaker whose contract with the Grizzlies expires in 2022. Anderson is one of the tallest point guards in the NBA at 6’9′. He uses his length and size to his advantage, making him a tough defender for opposing guards.
Although not as fast or explosive as some of his counterparts, Anderson’s height allows him to effectively disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. Offensively, he is a reliable passer who often leads the Grizzlies in assists. He has also improved his scoring ability over the years, averaging a career-high 12.4 points per game during the 2020-2021 season.
Despite being a complete player on both ends of the court, Anderson has yet to make it past the first round of playoffs in his career. However, his skill set and experience could be an asset on any playoff contender team.
Moving on from Kyle Anderson, let’s look at Yuta Watanabe’s impact as one of the few Japanese players in the NBA.
Yuta Watanabe
You’re about to discover the impact Yuta Watanabe, one of the few Japanese players in the league, has had on the NBA. At 6’9″, he is one of the tallest true point guards in the league and has shown great potential on both ends of the court. Currently playing for the Toronto Raptors, he has made a name for himself as a solid defender with an impressive wingspan.
In addition to his defensive abilities, Watanabe has shown promise as a playmaker, averaging 1.8 assists per game in the 2021-2022 season. As a Japanese player in a predominantly American sport, he faces unique challenges but has proven himself a valuable asset to his team. It will be interesting to see how his career develops and if he can continue to make an impact as one of the tallest players in his position.
Moving on from Watanabe, Nicolas Batum is another tall point guard who currently plays small forward for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Nicolas Batum
While Yuta Watanabe is one of the tallest point guards in the NBA, Nicolas Batum also makes that list at 6’8′. Currently playing small forward for the Clippers, Batum has been a consistent player throughout his career. Houston originally drafted him in 2008, and has since played for Portland, Charlotte, and now Los Angeles.
Batum’s height advantage allows him to be a versatile player on both offense and defense. He has averaged 5.8 rebounds per game over his career and has shown an ability to distribute the ball with an average of 3.9 assists per game. His experience in the league also makes him a valuable asset to any coach looking for a reliable veteran presence on their team.
With current teammates like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and former teammates like Kevin Durant during his time in Oklahoma City, Batum’s size complements their skillset well.
Moving on from discussing Nicolas Batum’s abilities as one of the tallest players in the league, we turn our attention toward Jayson Tatum.
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 also giving him an advantage in rebounding and defending.
Tatum’s ability to handle the ball and create shots for himself and his teammates has 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 said 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.
Moving onto the next subtopic about Cam Reddish, another tall point guard who has quickly established himself as a top defender for the Hawks…
Cam Reddish
Standing at 6’8′, Cam Reddish has become a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end for the Atlanta Hawks, proving that size isn’t everything in basketball. He was selected by the Hawks in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft and quickly impacted both ends of the court.
Although he had a slow start to his career due to injuries, Reddish has shown significant improvement this season and is now considered one of their top defenders. Reddish’s size and length give him an advantage when guarding opposing players, particularly smaller point guards. He can use his wingspan to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots, making scoring difficult for opponents.
While he may not have as much offensive firepower as some of his teammates, Reddish’s defensive prowess makes up for it. He follows in the footsteps of other successful taller point guards like Gary Payton and Dennis Johnson who were known for their defense rather than offensive output.
Moving onto Brandon Clarke next, he is another towering presence on the court, bringing a lot of energy and athleticism to his team’s defense.
Brandon Clarke
Moving on from Cam Reddish, another tall point guard in the NBA is Brandon Clarke. Standing at 6’8′, Clarke is one of the tallest players to play the point guard position. The Canadian national has made his mark as a major part of the defense for the Memphis Grizzlies, often considered for inclusion on the 2021 NBA Rising Stars roster.
Clarke’s height advantage has allowed him to be a force both offensively and defensively. Despite playing as a power forward during his college career, he’s shown that he can easily handle ball-handling duties in the NBA. He averages around 1.4 assists per game and can rebound effectively, thanks to his towering height. With such versatility, it’s no wonder why he’s become an important member of the Grizzlies team.
Here are four additional things to know about Brandon Clarke:
- Clarke was selected as the 21st overall pick by Memphis in the 2019 NBA draft.
- He was named First Team All-Rookie and Second Team All-NBA Summer League in his rookie year.
- His defensive prowess helped lead Gonzaga University to their first-ever appearance in an NCAA championship game 2017.
- Off-court interests include photography and video games.
As one of the tallest point guards currently playing in the NBA, Brandon Clarke has made a name for himself with his impressive skills and versatile play style. His contributions have been crucial in helping elevate Memphis into playoff contention, and fans will likely continue following his development closely as he continues making strides toward becoming one of the league’s best all-around players.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common challenges that tall point guards face on the court?
Tall point guards face unique challenges on the court despite their inherent advantages. Their height can become a disadvantage if they lack the agility and speed to keep up with smaller, quicker players. Additionally, tall point guards may struggle with ballhandling and passing accuracy due to their longer limbs.
Defensively, they may struggle against shifty guards who can easily maneuver around them. However, with proper training and development of skills like footwork and hand-eye coordination, tall point guards can overcome these obstacles and significantly impact their teams.
How do point guards typically train to improve their ball-handling skills?
When it comes to training to improve their ball-handling skills, point guards have several options.
Ironically, while many might assume that taller players would naturally struggle with dribbling the ball, NBA history has shown us that height isn’t always the deciding factor in a player’s skill level.
Some of the league’s most successful point guards have been on the shorter side.
Point guards can use plenty of drills and exercises to sharpen their skills and maintain their edge on the court.
Various strategies can help players take their game to the next level, from working on footwork to practicing with cones and resistance bands.
Who are other notable point guards besides Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson in NBA history?
Regarding notable point guards in NBA history, many players have left their mark on the game. From John Stockton’s incredible passing abilities to Allen Iverson’s scoring prowess, each player brings a unique skill set to the court.
Steve Nash was known for his exceptional shooting and playmaking skills, while Chris Paul is renowned for his leadership and ability to control the game. These legendary players have achieved great individual success and led their teams to championship victories.
Despite their differences in style and approach, these point guards share a common goal: winning games and leaving a lasting impact on basketball.
How do NBA teams typically scout for point guards, and what traits are they looking for?
When scouting for point guards, NBA teams prioritize a combination of physical attributes and skills, with ball handling and game IQ being crucial.
Height and wingspan are important considerations, although the point guard position historically has been the shortest in the league. Successful shorter point guards like Steph Curry and Damian Lillard have shown that height is not the most critical factor. Nonetheless, tall point guards like Magic Johnson (6’9′) and Oscar Robertson (6’5′) have had immense success, while Ben Simmons (6’11’) is currently the tallest point guard in the NBA.
Teams also consider other factors such as defensive ability, passing accuracy, and leadership skills when evaluating potential prospects.
Can a point guard be successful without being a strong defender?
While the defense is essential to the game, a point guard can still be successful without being a strong defender.
Their primary responsibility is running the team’s offense, making plays for their teammates, and caring for the ball.
A skilled point guard with exceptional ball-handling skills and court vision can compensate for any defensive shortcomings.
Additionally, some teams may prioritize offensive production from their point guard over defense. Ultimately, it depends on the team’s strategy and personnel, but a solid offensive contribution from a point guard can outweigh any lack of defensive prowess.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while height has always been an advantage in basketball, it’s not the sole determinant of success as a point guard. Shorter players like Isaiah Thomas and Chris Paul have proven that ball-handling skills and game IQ are equally important in the PG position.
However, tall point guards like Ben Simmons and Magic Johnson bring a unique advantage to the court with their ability to see over defenders and make passes from different angles. I mean, how tall do you need to be to dunk a basketball? And how do NBA players get so tall?
As the NBA continues to evolve, it’ll be interesting to see how teams utilize players with varying physical characteristics – like these tallest NBA players. Will we continue to see taller point guards dominating the game or will shorter players make a comeback? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the role of point guard will always require a combination of physical attributes and mental toughness.
Fans can look forward to seeing these skills on display as they cheer on their favorite teams in the upcoming seasons.
