Height has always played a significant role in professional basketball, and players who stand at 6’7″ often possess a unique combination of size, agility, and versatility. In modern basketball, this height is considered ideal for multiple positions, particularly wings and forwards who are expected to defend, shoot, rebound, and handle the ball. Over the decades, numerous standout athletes measuring 6 feet 7 inches have made lasting impacts on the NBA and international basketball scene.
TLDR: Many impactful basketball players measure 6’7″, a height considered ideal for versatile wing and forward roles. Stars such as Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Scottie Pippen, and Carmelo Anthony are officially listed at or around this height. These players often combine scoring ability, defensive skill, and adaptability. The 6’7″ frame has consistently produced some of the most well-rounded talents in basketball history.
The appeal of a 6’7″ player lies in adaptability. In earlier eras, this height was typical for a power forward. Today, however, 6’7″ athletes are frequently used as shooting guards, small forwards, power forwards, and even small-ball centers. The evolution of the game has elevated the value of size combined with ball-handling skill, and 6’7″ players often sit perfectly at that crossroads.
Why 6’7″ Is Considered an Ideal Basketball Height
Standing 6’7″ offers a balance between height and mobility. Players at this stature are generally:
- Tall enough to contest shots and rebound effectively
- Quick enough to guard smaller perimeter players
- Skilled enough to handle and distribute the ball
- Versatile enough to switch defensively across multiple positions
As basketball strategies have shifted toward positionless play, 6’7″ athletes often become foundational pieces for championship rosters.
Notable NBA Players Who Are 6’7″
Several legendary and modern NBA players are officially listed at 6’7″. Below is a selection of some of the most recognized names.
Michael Jordan
Perhaps the most famous 6’7″ player in basketball history, Michael Jordan revolutionized the shooting guard position. Although some reports have listed him slightly under 6’7″, he is officially recognized at that height. Jordan’s elite scoring, defensive prowess, and unmatched competitiveness led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships.
At 6’7″, he possessed:
- Above-average height for a guard
- Exceptional wingspan
- Explosive athleticism
- Elite mid-range scoring ability
Scottie Pippen
Jordan’s teammate, Scottie Pippen, is also listed at 6’7″. Pippen’s versatility defined the modern small forward role. He could handle the ball like a guard, defend every position on the court, and initiate offense when needed.
His 6’7″ frame allowed him to become one of the greatest perimeter defenders in NBA history.
Kevin Durant
Although Kevin Durant is often believed to be taller, he was officially listed at 6’7″ earlier in his career, though later measurements placed him closer to 6’9″. Regardless, Durant has been associated with the 6’7″ category for much of his professional journey.
Durant’s height, combined with his extraordinary shooting touch, makes him nearly unguardable. His scoring titles and championships highlight how powerful a near-6’7″ scorer can be in today’s league.
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony, another prolific scorer, stands at 6’7″. Throughout his career with teams such as the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, Anthony utilized strength and footwork to dominate smaller defenders while stretching the floor with perimeter shooting.
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard, listed at 6’7″, is widely known for his defensive dominance and massive wingspan. His combination of strength and length allows him to guard elite players across multiple positions.
Leonard’s physical profile exemplifies why 6’7″ is so valuable in modern basketball.
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler, a 6’7″ forward, plays with physicality and leadership intensity. Butler’s size helps him drive through contact, defend wings effectively, and create plays in crunch time situations.
Paul George
Another standout at this height is Paul George. At 6’7″, George blends perimeter shooting, defensive skill, and athleticism. His smooth scoring ability makes him one of the premier wing players of his generation.
Historic 6’7″ Players
Many former NBA athletes standing 6’7″ left a lasting impact on the game.
- Grant Hill – A versatile forward known for playmaking and athletic ability.
- Dominique Wilkins – Though sometimes listed at 6’8″, often reported near 6’7″, one of the greatest dunkers ever.
- Chris Mullin – A pure shooter and Dream Team member.
- Detlef Schrempf – A European pioneer who demonstrated shooting versatility at forward.
These athletes helped redefine positional expectations and expanded what wings and forwards were capable of accomplishing.
Modern Versatility: The Positionless Era
In the current NBA landscape, 6’7″ players are frequently described as positionless. Coaches now deploy them in various roles depending on matchups.
A 6’7″ athlete today might:
- Bring the ball up the court
- Serve as the primary scorer
- Protect the rim in small lineups
- Switch defensively onto centers or guards
This flexibility is especially important in playoff basketball, where defensive switching schemes dominate. The ability to guard multiple positions makes 6’7″ players essential in championship-caliber rosters.
International Players at 6’7″
The global growth of basketball has brought many international 6’7″ stars into prominence. European, Australian, African, and South American leagues often feature highly skilled forwards at this height.
International systems emphasize:
- Ball movement
- Shooting consistency
- Tactical awareness
- Team-oriented defense
As a result, many 6’7″ international players enter the NBA already comfortable playing multiple roles.
How 6’7″ Compares to Other Basketball Heights
To better understand the significance of 6’7″, it helps to compare it with other common basketball heights:
- 6’3″–6’5″ – Typically guards
- 6’6″–6’8″ – Wings and versatile forwards
- 6’9″–6’11” – Traditional forwards and modern stretch bigs
- 7’0″+ – Centers
At 6’7″, players fall directly within the most adaptable height range. They are rarely limited by size disadvantages and can match up competitively against both smaller and slightly taller opponents.
The Physical Advantages of 6’7″ Players
Beyond raw height, the effectiveness of these players often comes down to wingspan, strength, and coordination. Many 6’7″ players possess wingspans exceeding 7 feet, giving them extra reach for blocking shots and disrupting passing lanes.
Additionally, the center of gravity at this height often provides balance for:
- Pull-up jump shots
- Post fadeaways
- Euro-step drives
- Defensive slides
This physical profile helps explain why so many elite two-way players measure exactly 6’7″.
Rising Stars Around 6’7″
The league continues producing new 6’7″ talents each season. Young prospects are increasingly trained as multi-skill players from an early age. Instead of specializing as traditional forwards, they develop guard skills while maintaining strength and shot-blocking ability.
This developmental approach ensures that 6’7″ players will remain integral to the future of basketball.
Conclusion
Basketball history has shown that 6’7″ is one of the game’s most powerful and versatile heights. From Michael Jordan’s scoring brilliance and Scottie Pippen’s defensive mastery to Kawhi Leonard’s two-way dominance and Jimmy Butler’s leadership, players at this height have shaped the sport across multiple eras.
The continued success of 6’7″ athletes highlights a central truth in basketball evolution: versatility wins. As the game becomes faster and more positionless, the ideal blend of size, skill, and agility will continue to define greatness—and 6’7″ remains at the heart of that formula.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is 6’7″ a good height for basketball?
Yes, 6’7″ is considered an excellent height for basketball. It allows players to compete at multiple positions while maintaining agility and strong defensive potential.
2. What position do most 6’7″ players play?
Most 6’7″ players play small forward, shooting guard, or power forward. However, modern basketball allows them to shift between several roles depending on team needs.
3. Is Michael Jordan really 6’7″?
Michael Jordan is officially listed at 6’6″ to 6’7″ depending on the source. In most NBA records, he is recognized at 6’6″, though he is frequently grouped among 6’7″ players due to measurements with shoes.
4. Are 6’7″ players considered tall in the NBA?
Yes, though not extremely tall by NBA center standards, 6’7″ is above average and considered ideal for wing and forward positions.
5. Why are 6’7″ players so versatile?
Their height offers a balance of reach and mobility. Combined with modern training that emphasizes ball-handling and shooting, 6’7″ players often develop into all-around contributors.
6. Can a 6’7″ player play center?
In traditional lineups, centers are usually taller. However, in small-ball systems, a strong and athletic 6’7″ player can effectively play center, especially in fast-paced games.