Ideal size for position

[fandarko]

I've been reading, like most of you, countless texts and analysis about the Draft.

Not once I've read about players that are allegedly undersized for their positions.

On Probasketball talk, for example, this morning I've read about a player (don't have it anymore, it's some kind of "underrated" and "overrated" analysis) who's "6-9 with a 7-1 wingspan" and who is, in the words of the author of the text (otherwise very good read) "undersized for his position".

WTF?

Randle is, at 6-9, routinely branded undersized for the PF position (granted, he's got a short wingspan)??

If I remember correctly, Karl Malone, considered by many the best PF ever (until Duncan came along, who in all honesty plays C), was 6-9. Barkley was 6-5. Michael Cage was 6-9, as was Worthy, as was Larry Bird, etc.

Dwight plays C at 6-10, Hakeem was 6-10. Zo was 6-10.

I mean, does an inch or two here and there (with a decent wingspan) really matter? I've played pickup ball, at 5-11 and I didn't really feel guys 6-1 or 6-2 had any advantage over me if they were not quicker or more skilled.

Imagine you have two comparable players you've never seen play, you've heard they are both good, but you don't know anything about the details and the fine elements of their respective games.

You are only told the numbers - one is an inch taller - do you automatically imagine him to be better?

Is this an obsession by GM's, PR people, agents?

Size does matter, but c'mon, Dwight towers over people from the 5 while being "undersized", Monta shits on people at 6-2 for a SG (he is a loose canon, but nonetheless), D Wade hasn't got prototypical size, or Bradley Beal.

Many examples.

How do you feel about the size craze?

What's your take on players' ideal size for their position.

[Nash]

7 foot point guard with Kyrie Irving handles.

[ReturnofJPR]

PG: 6'4"
SG: 6'6" (Jordan)
SF: 6'8" (Pippen)
PF: 6'10
C: 7'

[Marchesk]

Ideal Center - 7'1", 270, 7-8" wingspan. Can touch top of backboard.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Ideal Center - 7'1", 270, 7-8" wingspan. Can touch top of backboard.
Ideal Center- 7'0" 325, 7-7" wingspan. Can destroy backboard.

[j3lademaster]

I think what's alarming is Randle's standing reach. To put it into perspective: Elton Brand is 6'9 in shoes with a 9'2 reach; Dwight at 18 years old was measured 6'10 and 9'3.5" standing reach; Zo had a similar height/ wingspan combination as Dwight http://search.draftexpress.com/profile/Alonzo-Mourning-3677/, so it's safe to assume he has a similar standing reach. Randle? an alarming 8'9.5", giving up 6 inches to Dwight IF Dwight hasn't grown since he was measured at 18.

Imagine trying to play in the block against a guy with your size and 6 inches of vert on you. Uphill battle right? Now imagine if he just had 6 inches on you even when he doesn't jump. Yikes.

They don't too much on Barkley on draftexpress, but he was noted to have a freakish wingspan. I think James Young would be like a .5 inch taller Barkley with a 7' wingspan and measured an 8'8 reach http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/James-Young-6462/. Barkley's an anomaly at the power forward position, so there's hope for Randle yet.

edit:

D Wade hasn't got prototypical size, or Bradley Beal.Wasn't Wade's barefoot height only like half an inch off from Kobe's? If I had to bet money, I would put it on Wade's standing reach being higher than Kobe's, and Kobe's a pretty prototypical sg in terms of size.

[Milbuck]

PG: 6'3" 190 - Westbrook/Rose

SG: 6'6" 220 - MJ/Kobe

SF: 6'8" 230 - Nique/Pippen

PF: 6'10-11" 245 - Duncan/C-Webb

C: 7'-7'1" 250-260 - Ewing/D-Rob

[kennethgriffin]

i think theres a difference between ideal and average/acceptable/common


ideally in a perfect world

PG - 6-5
SG - 6-7
SF - 6-9
PF - 6-11
C - 7-1

always pick one inch taller than what you expect or want.

and most of these guys can now play 2 positions

[russwest0]

PG: Westbrook
SG: Jordan
SF: Durant
PF: Ibaka
C: Wilt

[TheReal Kendall]

Most PFs now are 6'7 - 6'10

Centers now 6'9 - 7'1

SF now 6'5 - 6'9

SG now 6'1 - 6'6

PGs now 5'7 - 6'3


Honestly height really doesn't matter as long as you're productive at your position.

[navy]

There isnt a single time where being taller is worse. That doesnt mean because you are taller you are a better player though.

[Im so nba'd out]

6'5 pg
6'6 sg
6'9 sf
6'11 pf
7'1 center

[QuebecBaller]

PG - 6'2 to 6'5
SG - 6'5 to 6'7
SF - 6'7 to 6'9
PF - 6'9 to 6'11
C - 6'11 to infinity

[fpliii]

I think what's alarming is Randle's standing reach. To put it into perspective: Elton Brand is 6'9 in shoes with a 9'2 reach; Dwight at 18 years old was measured 6'10 and 9'3.5" standing reach; Zo had a similar height/ wingspan combination as Dwight http://search.draftexpress.com/profile/Alonzo-Mourning-3677/, so it's safe to assume he has a similar standing reach. Randle? an alarming 8'9.5", giving up 6 inches to Dwight IF Dwight hasn't grown since he was measured at 18.

Imagine trying to play in the block against a guy with your size and 6 inches of vert on you. Uphill battle right? Now imagine if he just had 6 inches on you even when he doesn't jump. Yikes.

They don't too much on Barkley on draftexpress, but he was noted to have a freakish wingspan. I think James Young would be like a .5 inch taller Barkley with a 7' wingspan and measured an 8'8 reach http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/James-Young-6462/. Barkley's an anomaly at the power forward position, so there's hope for Randle yet.
This is a very valid point. Wingspan and standing reach tell us a lot more than does height. That being said:

1) Nobody is going up against Dwight every night. Dude's a freak, and not the standard fare among big men.
2) Randle probably isn't done growing. Dude's 19, and could easily add an inch or more before.

My bigger concern with Randle is that so many of his moves seem to be predicated on overpowering opponents. That's a lot easier in college than in the pros. Not saying he won't be able to utilize a power post game in the NBA (easily could), but it's something to watch for as he develops as a player.

[Marchesk]

C - 6'11 to infinity

http://www.dennyburk.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/manute-bol-spud-webb.jpg

[PP34Deuce]

For me the Protoype size is:

PG- 6'1-6'3
SG- 6'5-'6'7
SF- 6'8-6'9
PF- 6'10
C- 7'0

Rondo to me is your prototype PG as far as size. Not bulky but also solid at 6'1.
Kobe is as prototype as you can get at SG.
I believe SF has 2 prototypes- Trevor Ariza is a legit 6'8 220 and thats ideal SF size.
PF- Anthony Davis
C- Deandre Jordan and Hibert have ideal size.

[SHABBA]

Pg: 6'3
Sg: 6'6
Sf: 6'8
Pf: 6'10
C: 7'0

[scm5]

Ideally:

PG: 6'9 Magic Johnson
SG: 6'11 Kevin Durant
SF: 6'8 Lebron James
PF: 6'11 Tim Duncan
C: 7'1 Shaq/Kareem

[Thunderfan86]

6 inches for missionary
7 inches for cowgirl
8 inches for doggystyle