How Tall Were NBA Players As Children?

The height of NBA players as children varies widely due to genetics, nutrition, and other factors. However, many future professional players are taller than average during their childhood years. This is a common observation among NBA stars, indicating that height can play a significant role in their success in basketball.

Notable Examples of Taller NBA Players in Childhood

Several players who went on to have successful NBA careers mentioned that they were significantly taller than their peers by middle school, often reaching heights of 6 feet or more by their early teenage years. Here are a few prominent examples:

LeBron James: By age 12, he was already around 6 feet tall.

Kevin Durant: He was approximately 6 feet by the age of 12 and continued to grow.

Shaquille O'Neal: By the age of 13, he was around 6 feet 6 inches tall.

These examples highlight that while there is no definitive height requirement for NBA players, their towering stature during childhood often sets the stage for their future success in basketball. While height is a significant factor, other elements like skills, training, and perseverance also play crucial roles.

Variability in Childhood Heights

It's important to note that not all NBA players were exceptionally tall as children. The heights of NBA players can range from average to significantly above average. For instance, many players who started out at average heights eventually grew to be NBA-caliber players. This variability underscores that while height is a factor, individuals can still achieve success regardless of their early height.

Historic Examples

The early heights of some legendary NBA players are particularly noteworthy. Consider the following examples:

Wilt Chamberlain: In 1945, a 4th grader photo shows him to be 6 feet tall at age 10, indicating his early growth spurt. He would eventually grow to 7 feet tall and become one of the greatest players of all time.

Larry Bird: Young Larry Bird could already be seen declaring his number “33” in his early years. By his sophomore year in high school, he was 6 feet 3 inches tall, growing to 6 feet 7 inches by his senior year, and later to 6 feet 9 inches.

Yao Ming: His early school photo shows the beginning of his growth spur, highlighting how early signs of growth can be a significant indicator of future potential.

These examples demonstrate that while height is important, it is not the only determining factor in an NBA player's success. Other aspects such as skill development, mental resilience, and personal growth also play crucial roles in an NBA player's journey.

Overall, the heights of NBA players as children vary widely, but being taller than average during formative years is a common trend that often leads to success in basketball. Success is multifaceted, combining both physical and non-physical attributes to shape a player's career.