Monday, May 27, 2013

Average Draft Measurements for NBA Players

As the 2013 draft approaches, we'll see more and more commentary about why or why not certain players will make it in the league. One common standard on which to judge players is through physical measurements. If a power forward is measured at 6' 7" or even 6' 8" without shoes, for example, he is said to be too short for the position, but is that actually true?

With years of measurements from the NBA draft combine, there's now a plethora of information of NBA player beyond the typical team listed height, which are often inflated. Measurements included here are height without shoes, height with shoes, wingspan, and standing reach, as well as the height listed in basketball-reference. The average measurement for a position is based on minutes played -- if there's a 6' 10" player with 1000 minutes and a 6' 8" player with 500, the average is 6' 9.3" -- and the position used is from basketball-reference. That system for position is far from perfect, but no system is, especially since positions have become so fluid.

Results

The results are shown in the table below. Shifted measurements have minutes at each position balanced so they all have the same total amount (i.e. if centers have less minutes, some power forward minutes are moved there.) OLS regression was used to fill in the missing data where each set of measurements has two or three equations based on the available information (to predict standing reach, wingspan is valuable information, but if that's not available move on to the next equation.)

Average measurements
Position
Height without shoes
Height with shoes
B-ref listed height
Wingspan
Standing reach
PG
6’ 1.2”
6’ 2.3”
6’ 1.9”
6’ 5.3”
8’ 1.6”
SG
6’ 3.8”
6’ 5.0”
6’ 4.7”
6’ 7.9”
8’ 4.8”
SF
6’ 6.6”
6’ 7.9”
6’ 7.6”
6’ 11.0”
8’ 8.8”
PF
6’ 7.7”
6’ 8.9”
6’ 9.2”
7’ 1.1”
8’ 11.1”
C
6’ 9.8”
6’ 11.1”
6’ 10.8”
7’ 3.3”
9’ 1.7”

Position shifted average measurements
Position
Height without shoes
Height with shoes
B-ref listed height
Wingspan
Standing reach
PG
6’ 1.3”
6’ 2.4”
6’ 2.0”
6’ 5.4”
8’ 1.7”
SG
6’ 3.8”
6’ 5.0”
6’ 4.7”
6’ 7.9”
8’ 4.8”
SF
6’ 6.5”
6’ 7.8”
6’ 7.5”
6’ 10.8”
8’ 8.6”
PF
6’ 7.6”
6’ 8.8”
6’ 9.0”
7’ 1.0”
8’ 10.9”
C
6’ 9.6”
6’ 10.9”
6’ 10.7”
7’ 3.1”
9’ 1.4”

Not every player has a draft combine measurement, and for those regression equations were created to fill in the gaps. The results are only slightly different, but it is important to see if the results even change, and the equations can be used to estimate measurements of other players. One random find was that players close to seven-feet tall are no more likely to inflate their height than other players. I thought there'd be a whole number bias, but I suppose not.

Average measurements, missing data regressed
Position
Height without shoes
Wingspan
Standing reach
PG
6’ 1.1”
6’ 5.3”
8’ 1.2”
SG
6’ 3.8”
6’ 8.1”
8’ 4.8”
SF
6’ 6.5”
6’ 11,0”
8’ 8.7”
PF
6’ 7.9”
7’ 1.3”
8’ 11.2”
C
6’ 9.9”
7’ 3.2”
9’ 1.7”

Position shifted average measurements, missing data regressed
Position
Height without shoes
Wingspan
Standing reach
PG
6’ 1.2”
6’ 5.4”
8’ 1.3”
SG
6’ 3.8”
6’ 8.1”
8’ 4.8”
SF
6’ 6.4”
6’ 10.9”
8’ 8.5”
PF
6’ 7.8”
7’ 1.1”
8’ 11.0”
C
6’ 9.7”
7’ 3.0”
9’ 1.4”

Draft implications

When evaluating a player's size, looking at the average measure at each position makes it more of a fair game. Too often guys are derided for not being true centers, for instance, because they're not seven-feet tall, but that's the norm. Nerlens Noel is the top prospect in the draft, and some fear he's too small for a center. He was 6' 10" without shoes, almost perfectly average, with a slightly above average wingspan of 7' 3.75" and standing reach 9' 2". Although the weight is a concern in post defense, he's nearly the league average measurements for a center.

In the case of Trey Burke, measurements mean the difference between being taken second and sixth. Without shoes, he was a paltry 5' 11.75", sliding under the Mendoza line for NBA player height, but looking at his effective size -- you don't play basketball with the top of your head; you play it with your hands -- he's actually fine. Both his wingspan and standing reach are about average at 6' 5.5" and 8' 1.5", respectively.

For players who are undersized, Anthony Bennett is a shade under the averages for a power forward, from the measurements we have, and Cody Zeller's T-rex arms are a killer. His height was above average, 6' 10.75" without shoes and over 7' with them, but his wingspan was slightly below average for a small forward -- 6' 10.75", as having a wingspan the same as your height is actually rare for an NBA player. Consequently, his standing reach is below average for even a power forward at 8' 10". Speaking of short arms, Kelly Olynyk actually has a smaller wingspan than height without shoes -- 6' 9.75" to 6' 10.75", but at least his standing reach is 9'.

For some better news, Otto Porter is a big wing. His size is more similar to a power forward's -- a wingspan of 7' 1.5" and a standing reach of 8' 9.5", along with a height without shoes of 6' 7.5". If a team wants to go with a smallball lineup, you can definitely get away with Porter as the "four" there. Steven Adams appears to have good size for a center, as his standing reach is almost exactly average at 9' 1.5", and his wingspan is 7' 4.5". But it's Rudy Gorbert who steals the headlines. He has a Condor-like wingspan of 7' 8.5", largest in recorded draft combine history, and a standing reach of 9' 7", only bested by the Russian giant Pavel Podkolzine. He's also the only guy in the 2013 draft measured at over seven-feet without his shoes, which is actually rare. Athletically, he's not up to par, but strangely enough his speed and jumping measurements were very similar to Brendan Haywood's, who had a long career, and perhaps Gorbert can be the next Shawn Bradley -- and not the next Pavel Podkolzine.

As a last note, NBA projections typically use a player's listed height and ignore wingspan and standing reach because there's more data available that way. Looking at average measurements perhaps one can adjust a player's height based on his wingspan and standing reach to an effective height. For example, Cody Zeller's measurements are somewhere in between a SF and a PF, and the average listed height between those two positions is 6' 8.3", depending on whether or not you use shifted measurements. Using 6' 8" instead of his listed height of 7' could dramatically change his projected impact.

99 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Doing some ratios, (and using your last chart), the wingspan to height ratio is 1.057 for the first 3 positions, and 1.066/1.065 for the last two respectively. SR ratio is 1.33 for the first three positions, 1.34 for the last two. Pretty consistent.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amazing stats and figures like the way how writer described the whole thing in one article for more information check NBA Players of All time - funklist

    ReplyDelete
  5. Most people enjoy lots of the chats, My partner and i in fact knowledgeable, I'd personally favor additional information in relation to this kind of, given that it really is great., Together with as a result of acquire dispersing. NBA 2k18 VC generator

    ReplyDelete
  6. It was really a nice article and i was really impressed by reading this Data Science online Course

    ReplyDelete
  7. Get Mutual Fund Investment Schemes by Mutual Fund Wala and know about the best investment platform for you, to get profit.
    Mutual Fund Agent

    ReplyDelete
  8. It was really insightful.
    Thanks for such a nice content.
    Cheers
    BTW if anyone interested more have a look . thanks

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is really nice, thanks again for this wonderful and valuable information sharing with us. Visit Kalakutir for Godown Floor Marking Painting and Base Company Logo Painting.
    Godown Floor Marking Painting

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more ... good luck.
    data analytics courses in mumbai

    data science interview questions

    business analytics course

    data science course in mumbai

    ReplyDelete
  11. Enroll in the most well structured IoT Course in Hyderabad! This 24 Hours program, Certification on IoT is designed to orient the student to key concepts of the Internet Of Things. In this IoT Course you will study IoT network architecture, device architecture, sensor design, embedded development boards, and IoT communication protocols in great detail. Leverage various cloud platforms and cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) with IoT. Run python scripts on a Raspberry Pi board and enable GPIO programming.
    Enroll in the most well structured IoT Course in Hyderabad! This 24 Hours program, Certification on IoT is designed to orient the student to key concepts of the Internet Of Things. In this IoT Course you will study IoT network architecture, device architecture, sensor design, embedded development boards, and IoT communication protocols in great detail. Leverage various cloud platforms and cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) with IoT. Run python scripts on a Raspberry Pi board and enable GPIO programming.
    Enroll in the most well structured IoT Course in Hyderabad! This 24 Hours program, Certification on IoT is designed to orient the student to key concepts of the Internet Of Things. In this IoT Course you will study IoT network architecture, device architecture, sensor design, embedded development boards, and IoT communication protocols in great detail. Leverage various cloud platforms and cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) with IoT. Run python scripts on a Raspberry Pi board and enable GPIO programming.

    IoT training in hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  12. wonderful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. This article resolved my all queries.
    data science interview questions

    ReplyDelete
  13. Very interesting blog. Many blogs I see these days do not really provide anything that attracts others, but believe me the way you interact is literally awesome.You can also check my articles as well.

    Rowe Rowe
    Rowe Rowe
    Rowe Rowe
    Rowe Rowe

    Thank you..

    ReplyDelete
  14. I feel really happy to have seen your webpage and look forward to so many more entertaining times reading here. Thanks once more for all the details.
    Best Institute for Data Science in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  15. Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article.
    360DigiTMG data science institute in ECIL

    ReplyDelete
  16. Very awesome!!! When I searched for this I found this website at the top of all blogs in search engines.
    Data Science Training in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  17. Very nice blog and articles. I am realy very happy to visit your blog. Now I am found which I actually want. I check your blog everyday and try to learn something from your blog. Thank you and waiting for your new post.
    best data science institute in hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  18. Appreciating the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information you provide. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same outdated rehashed information. Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
    data scientist training and placement in hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  19. Superb Information, I really appreciated it, This is fine to read and valuable pro potential, I really bookmark it, pro broaden read. Appreciation pro sharing. I like it.
    data scientist training and placement

    ReplyDelete
  20. I see some amazingly important and kept up to a length of your strength searching for in your on the site
    digital marketing courses in hyderabad with placement

    ReplyDelete
  21. your blog everyday and try to learn something from your blog. Thank you and I'm waiting for your new post.
    best data science institute in hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  22. Very nice blog and articles. I am really very happy to visit your blog. Now I am finding which I actually want. I check your blog everyday and try to learn something from your blog. Thank you and I'm waiting for your new post.

    Best Data Science courses in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have expressed a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style of blogging. I added it to my favorite’s blog site list and will be checking back soon…
    Best Data Science courses in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  24. Its amazing blog. Thanks for sharing.
    Buy Mtp Kit Online fast shipping to stop undesired pregnancy at home.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Impressive. Your story always brings hope and new energy. Keep up the good work.
    Best Data Science courses in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  26. I read that Post and got it fine and informative. Please share more like that...
    Best Data Science courses in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  27. Excellent effort to make this blog more wonderful and attractive.
    business analytics course

    ReplyDelete
  28. Nice write-up!! You've got mentioned helpful info. We are searching for opportunities in the same domain to introduce advanced services being the highest mobile app development company. For more details, visit mobile app development company or contact us: +91-9717270746 or email us: sales@appsquadz.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great post i must say and thanks for the information. Education is definitely a sticky subject. However, is still among the leading topics of our time.
    I appreciate your post and look forward to more.
    Reactjs Training in Chennai |
    Best Reactjs Training Institute in Chennai |
    Reactjs course in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  30. event planner. partnership also significantly reduces the lift for event planners by recruiting partners on each end of the production and virtual and onsite also who can anticipate each other’s needs and coordinate accordingly behind the scenes and Their experience working together on a number of events. inspirational events and luncheon invitation template

    ReplyDelete
  31. The following time I read a blog, I trust that it doesn't bomb me similarly as much as this specific one. That is to say, I realize it was my decision to peruse, regardless I really trusted you would presumably have something valuable to discuss. All I hear is a lot of crying about something you could fix on the off chance that you were not very bustling searching for consideration. best interiors

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for such a great post and the review, I am totally impressed! Keep stuff like this coming.
    best data science institute in hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  33. Terrific post thoroughly enjoyed reading the blog and more over found to be the tremendous one. In fact, educating the participants with it's amazing content. Hope you share the similar content consecutively.

    data science course in varanasi76

    ReplyDelete
  34. Very wonderful informative article. I appreciated looking at your article. Very wonderful reveal. I would like to twit this on my followers. Many thanks! .

    AWS Training in Hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  35. I was actually browsing the internet for certain information, accidentally came across your blog found it to be very impressive. I am elated to go with the information you have provided on this blog, eventually, it helps the readers whoever goes through this blog. Hoping you continue the spirit to inspire the readers and amaze them with your fabulous content.
    th
    Data Science Course in Faridabad

    ReplyDelete
  36. Really impressed! Everything is very open and very clear clarification of issues. It contains true facts. Your website is very valuable. Thanks for sharing.
    real estate company

    ReplyDelete
  37. Nice post!
    Thanks for sharing this informative post. If you have unwanted pregnancy problem then buy abortion pill online from our pharmacy with best price.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I have express a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style of blogging. I added it to my favorite’s blog site list and will be checking back soon…
    data scientist training and placement in hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  39. Very awesome!!! When I seek for this I found this website at the top of all blogs in search engine.
    data science training

    ReplyDelete
  40. Very wonderful informative article. I appreciated looking at your article. Very wonderful reveal. I would like to twit this on my followers. Many thanks! .
    <a href="https://360digitmg.com/india/data-analytics-certification-training-course-in-bangalore>Data Analytics training in Bangalore</a>

    ReplyDelete
  41. This is a great post. I like this topic.This site has lots of advantage.I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me in many ways.Thanks for posting this again.
    best aws training in hyderabad

    ReplyDelete
  42. Always so interesting to visit your site.What a great info, thank you for sharing. this will help me so much in my learning
    data science course in malaysia

    ReplyDelete
  43. It was good experience to read about dangerous punctuation. Informative for everyone looking on the subject. data science training in mysore

    ReplyDelete
  44. It is extremely nice to see the greatest details presented in an easy and understanding manner.
    full stack web development course in malaysia


    ReplyDelete
  45. This post is easy to peruse and acknowledge without forgetting about any subtleties. Extraordinary work!

    ReplyDelete
  46. 360DigiTMG, the top-rated organisation among the most prestigious industries around the world, is an educational destination for those looking to pursue their dreams around the globe. The company is changing careers of many people through constant improvement, 360DigiTMG provides an outstanding learning experience and distinguishes itself from the pack. 360DigiTMG is a prominent global presence by offering world-class training. Its main office is in India and subsidiaries across Malaysia, USA, East Asia, Australia, Uk, Netherlands, and the Middle East.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Гадание на любимого мужчину бесплатно является наиболее практичным способом нагадать грядущее человека. Первые порядки хиромантии возникли за несколько тысяч лет до нашей эры. Природные явления или обрядовые убийства животных по прошествии длительного времени основали определенное трактование обнаруженного.

    ReplyDelete
  48. This is also a primarily fantastic distribute which I really specialized confirming out business analytics course in surat

    ReplyDelete
  49. You can start learning the basics of these skills and know more about the different techniques and tools that are being used to collect data from different sources, convert it into a structured form and then draw some valuable insights and conclusions from it.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I expected to thank you for this in your appreciating ensnare!! I particularly participating in all little piece of it I have you ever bookmarked to take a gander at conveyed stuff you articulate. Hotspot Shield Crack

    ReplyDelete
  51. I comprehend this is one of the main course for me. Moreover, I'm energetic focusing on your article. at any rate need to publication upon a couple of standard matters, the web page style is unmodified; the articles are safe. much gratitude to you for the enormous measure of genuine and appropriate unequivocal. Princess 3rd Birthday Wishes

    ReplyDelete
  52. It is very interesting! Really useful for me and thank you for this amazing blog.
    VA Divorce Lawyers

    ReplyDelete
  53. This was a really interesting read. Today, I learned a lot about this subject. Thank you very much.
    Buy abortion pill online fast delivery

    ReplyDelete
  54. This post provides a comprehensive exploration of the role of physical measurements in the NBA draft process. By combining data analysis with thoughtful commentary, the author offers valuable insights into the complexities of player evaluation and potential draft outcomes. Thank you for sharing this article.
    Data Analytics Courses in Pune

    ReplyDelete
  55. This research sheds light on the significance of looking beyond reported heights when evaluating NBA prospects. Size is clearly not the sole aspect influencing a player's potential. This is shown in the debate about Nerlens Noel and Trey Burke's measurements. It's great to see a data-driven approach to evaluating athletes, focusing light on some that may be underappreciated owing to their physical characteristics.
    Data Analytics Courses in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  56. A useful resource for basketball enthusiasts and analysts, providing insights into the average draft measurements for NBA players.

    Data Analytics Courses In Kochi



    ReplyDelete
  57. The author provides invaluable insights in this post into the physical measurements of NBA players, challenging conventional notions of height requirements for different positions. It emphasizes the importance of considering wingspan and standing reach when assessing a player's suitability for the league. A must-read for basketball enthusiasts and draft analysts.
    Data Analytics Courses In Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  58. In this article, the author challenges preconceived beliefs about the height requirements for various positions while providing insightful information about the physical characteristics of NBA players. It highlights how crucial it is to take a player's wingspan and standing reach into account when determining their suitability for the league. An essential read for basketball fans and draught experts
    Data Analytics Courses in Agra

    ReplyDelete
  59. That's a true statement from the blog that is teams aim to select players who not only possess physical attributes but also have the potential to contribute to their success on the court.
    Data Analytics Courses In Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  60. The article is really very impressive every concept should be very neatly represented.
    Data Analytics courses IN UK

    ReplyDelete
  61. "Your blog post delving into the average draft measurements for NBA players is both engaging and informative
    Data analytics courses in new Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  62. Understanding the average measurements of NBA players sheds light on common misconceptions about player sizes and their actual performance on the court.
    Digital marketing courses in Blackpool

    ReplyDelete
  63. I particularly enjoyed the way you linked these physical attributes to the playing style of different positions, illustrating how the demands of each role contribute to the diversity seen in the league. The inclusion of visual aids, such as charts and graphs, adds a dynamic and engaging element to your analysis. Digital Marketing Courses In Norwich

    ReplyDelete
  64. This blog critically examines the significance of physical measurements in assessing NBA players' potential, challenging the conventional wisdom surrounding height requirements for specific positions. Leveraging data from the NBA draft combine, it delves into nuanced player metrics like height without shoes, wingspan, and standing reach, offering a comprehensive analysis beyond teams' listed heights, often inflated. The approach of averaging measurements based on minutes played for each position acknowledges the dynamic nature of player roles, shedding light on the limitations of rigid positional classifications while providing a more nuanced perspective on player evaluation.
    Data Analytics courses in new york

    ReplyDelete

  65. "This blog is a fantastic resource for NBA enthusiasts and analysts! The detailed exploration of average draft measurements for NBA players offers valuable insights into the physical attributes of athletes entering the league. The comprehensive breakdown, statistical analysis, and comparisons across positions provide a deeper understanding of the evolving trends in player size and skills. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the NBA draft, offering valuable data for assessing player potential and trends in the league."
    Investment banking jobs in Mumbai

    ReplyDelete

  66. Thank you for sharing the comprehensive average draft measurements for NBA players. Your blog post is well-researched and presented, providing valuable insights. Appreciate your effort and expertise in this area.
    Investment banking courses syllabus

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hey there! The article about the average draft measurements for NBA players is really fascinating. It's amazing to see the physical attributes that often contribute to success in the league. Knowing these measurements can give us a better understanding of the physical expectations and requirements for aspiring basketball players. Thanks for sharing this insightful piece!
    Data analytics courses in Rohini

    ReplyDelete