In the NBA, it is uncommon for any player to be shorter than 6'2" or 6'3". Many of the players are as tall as seven feet, a height that only a tiny percentage of adult males worldwide reach! Why do you think that height is such an advantage in the NBA? Is it possible for shorter people to be as good at basketball as extremely tall people?
Height
- Thread starter MeowsePad
- Start date
Well, of course it's POSSIBLE for small players to succeed. Just look at 5'9" Tyler Ulis at Kentucky. He's one of the top players in the NCAA. However, obviously taller players have a distinct advantage. But some small players are able to overcome this with their exemplary skills
Spud Webb is only 5' 6" and he was extremely talented. It's only natural that basketball players are typically taller and those that are shorter definitely have to show a different level of skill to make people overlook their height.
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djordjem87
Minors
I don't understand why do say in NBA like other leagues have midgets playing. I think it's fair you said in basketball. No it is not important, of course. It is all about the mower of mind in basketball. I am very short and I play basketball very good. Not professional but I use what I have. I cannot dunk with 173 cm but I am fast and agile, have a decent shot and good vision of my team so assisting is what I do very good. Rajon Rondo is not to high, for example and if he was a better shooter he would be more amazing then he already is. Bogues is 160 cm and he was very good.
Aaron Carter Fan
Rookie
I think anybody can really be good at basketball. If they practice enough and enjoy the sport, height shouldn't be an excuse for them NOT to play. I'm only five feet and a half and I still enjoy just shooting hoops for the heck of it every now and again.
KickBall4Square
Minors
A better example would be Isaiah Thomas on the Boston Celtics. He's currently one of the top point guards in the league. People have a tough time guarding him, because he is small and crafty. Height plays an advantage because the bigger guys are playing closer to, and "Above the Rim". They can dunk more easily. Score easier points inside. They're able to protect the rim better. A small guy has to be really talented to make it in the NBA.
Aaron Carter Fan
Rookie
KickBall4Square said:
Classic example right there on how it can actually pay to be small for your age sometimes... which I am of course.
Well when it comes right down to it you are just closer to the basket and it is easier to score. I always like the shorter players, though, because they seem more fun to watch and they are usually much better ball handlers. There have been some really good short players through the history of the game too, so it is not like it is impossible or anything. It does help to be a good six-five though, in many aspects of life.
Aaron Carter Fan
Rookie
Yeah but what sucks is that if you're small for your age, your hand eye coordinates aren't always the greatest at best of times.
Lisa Davis
Minors
MeowsePad said:
Obviously, tall people will have a distinct advantage over a short person with the same skills, but there are some exceptional short players in the history of the NBA. Certain positions in particular are more prone to have shorter players, while other positions I feel it's almost impossible for a shorter person to be equally effective. Most shorter players are guards. You really don't find any short people playing the post position or as a center. Those positions have a distinct advantage for size and height.
It makes sense that taller people can do better in basketball, because of the simple fact that they're closer to the net. But that doesn't mean shorter people can't be successful basketball players. Shorter players can still be really good and with practice, they can be just as good as the taller players, in my opinion.