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  1. #1
    NBA Legend CavaliersFTW's Avatar
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    Default Russell, Chamberlain, Kareem - How did they measure up?:

    Detailed Measurement Data.

    (In order by height)

    Yao Ming:
    Billed Information:
    [COLOR="Blue"][COLOR="Black"][COLOR="Blue"]FIBA::[/COLOR] 7-5, 276[/COLOR]
    NBA [COLOR="Black"](rookie)[/COLOR]: [COLOR="Black"]296[/COLOR]
    NBA: [COLOR="Black"]7-6, 310[/COLOR]
    Basketball Reference: [COLOR="Black"]7-6, 310 [/COLOR][/COLOR]
    Actual Measurements:
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Height:[/COLOR] 7-5.75 (Was 7-5 in October 2002, then measured 7'5.75 in September 2004)
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Wingspan:[/COLOR] 7-5
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Standing Reach:[/COLOR] 9-7
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Hand Length:[/COLOR]10"
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Playing Weight:[/COLOR]
    296 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]early career[/COLOR]
    310 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]mid career[/COLOR]
    276 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]2010 FIBA [/COLOR]
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Shoes:[/COLOR] U.S. size 18

    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar:
    Billed Information:
    [COLOR="Blue"]NCAA: [COLOR="Black"]7-1 3/8[/COLOR]
    Milwaukee Bucks [COLOR="Black"](rookie)[/COLOR]: [COLOR="Black"]7-1 1/2, 235[/COLOR]
    Basketball Reference: [COLOR="Black"]7-2, 225[/COLOR]
    NBA [COLOR="Black"](late career)[/COLOR]: [COLOR="Black"]7-2, 267[/COLOR] [/COLOR]
    Actual Measurements:
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Height:[/COLOR] 7-1.88 (7-1.375 UCLA, 7-1.5 rookie Bucks training camp, 7-1.625 2nd season Bucks training camp, 7-1.88 3rd season Bucks training camp)
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Wingspan:[/COLOR] 7-5
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Playing Weight:[/COLOR]
    225lbs - [COLOR="DarkRed"]rookie[/COLOR]
    231lbs - [COLOR="DarkRed"]2nd season[/COLOR]
    235lbs - [COLOR="DarkRed"]early career[/COLOR]
    240lbs - [COLOR="DarkRed"]mid career[/COLOR]
    267lbs - [COLOR="DarkRed"]late career[/COLOR]
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Shoes:[/COLOR] U.S. size 16

    Wilt Chamberlain:
    Billed Information:
    [COLOR="Blue"][COLOR="Black"][COLOR="Blue"]NCAA:[/COLOR] 7-0[/COLOR]
    Philadelphia Warriors: [COLOR="Black"]7-1 1/16, 250[/COLOR]
    Basketball Reference: [COLOR="Black"]7-1, 275 [/COLOR]
    NBA [COLOR="Black"](All teams after the Warriors)[/COLOR]: [COLOR="Black"]7-1, 275[/COLOR] [/COLOR]
    Actual Measurements:
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Height:[/COLOR] 7-1.06 (6-11.5 age 17, 7-1.06 age 23)
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Wingspan:[/COLOR] 7-8
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Standing Reach:[/COLOR] 9-6
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Hand Length:[/COLOR] 9.5"
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Hand Spread:[/COLOR] 11.5"
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Playing Weight:[/COLOR]
    258 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]rookie[/COLOR]
    265 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]3rd season[/COLOR]
    292 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]5th season[/COLOR]
    310 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]late career[/COLOR]
    320 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]maximum[/COLOR] (training camp of 5th season)
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Shoes:[/COLOR] U.S. size 15

    Shaquille O'Neal:
    Billed Information:
    [COLOR="Blue"][COLOR="Black"][COLOR="Blue"]NCAA:[/COLOR] 7-1, 294[/COLOR]
    Orlando Magic: [COLOR="Black"]7-1, 300[/COLOR]
    Basketball Reference: [COLOR="Black"]7-1, 325 [/COLOR]
    NBA [COLOR="Black"](after Orlando)[/COLOR]: [COLOR="Black"]7-1, 325[/COLOR] [/COLOR]
    Actual Measurements:
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Height:[/COLOR] 6-11.5 (Self admission. Draftexpress lists 7-0)
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Wingspan:[/COLOR] 7-7
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Standing Reach:[/COLOR] 9-5
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Hand Length:[/COLOR] 11"
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Hand Spread:[/COLOR] 9"
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Playing Weight:[/COLOR]
    280 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]Freshman LSU Season[/COLOR]
    285 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]Sophomore LSU Season[/COLOR]
    294 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]Final LSU Season[/COLOR]
    301 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]1992 draft measurement 1[/COLOR]
    303 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]1992 draft measurement 2[/COLOR]
    315 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]early career[/COLOR]
    325 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]early-mid career[/COLOR]
    350 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]mid-late career[/COLOR]
    368 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]maximum[/COLOR] (out of shape after an injury)
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Shoes:[/COLOR] U.S. size 22

    Bill Russell:
    Billed Information:
    [COLOR="Blue"]NCAA: [COLOR="Black"]6-10[/COLOR]
    Olympics: [COLOR="Black"]6-10[/COLOR]
    Boston Celtics: [COLOR="Black"]6-9, 215[/COLOR]
    Basketball Reference: [COLOR="Black"]6-9, 215 [/COLOR]
    NBA [COLOR="Black"][/COLOR]: [COLOR="Black"]6-10, 220[/COLOR] [/COLOR]
    Actual Measurements:
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Height:[/COLOR] 6-9.63 (6-9 and 5/8ths, 1955 NCAA measurement)
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Wingspan:[/COLOR]7-4
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Hand Length:[/COLOR]10.5"
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Playing Weight:[/COLOR]
    215 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]rookie[/COLOR]
    222 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]early career[/COLOR]
    230 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]late career[/COLOR]
    240 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]last season[/COLOR]
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Shoes:[/COLOR] U.S. size 14

    Elvin Hayes:
    Billed Information:
    [COLOR="Blue"]NCAA: [COLOR="Black"]6-8[/COLOR]
    Basketball Reference: [COLOR="Black"]6-9, 235 [/COLOR]
    NBA [COLOR="Black"][/COLOR]: [COLOR="Black"]6-9, 235[/COLOR] [/COLOR]
    Actual Measurements:
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Height:[/COLOR] 6-9.5 (6-8.5 UCLA age 19, 6-9.5 UCLA age 21)
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Wingspan:[/COLOR]7-2
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Playing Weight:[/COLOR]
    240 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]Junior NCAA season[/COLOR]
    235 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]early NBA career[/COLOR]
    240 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]majority of NBA career[/COLOR]
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Shoes:[/COLOR] U.S. size 16

    Dwight Howard:
    Billed Information:
    [COLOR="Blue"][COLOR="Black"][COLOR="Blue"]NBA [COLOR="Black"](rookie)[/COLOR]:[/COLOR] 6-11, 240[/COLOR]
    NBA [COLOR="Black"](current)[/COLOR]: [COLOR="Black"]6-11, 265[/COLOR]
    Basketball Reference: [COLOR="Black"]6-11, 240 [/COLOR][/COLOR]
    Actual Measurements:
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Height:[/COLOR] 6-9 (2004 draft at age 19)
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Wingspan:[/COLOR] 7-4.5
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Standing Reach:[/COLOR] 9-3.5
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Playing Weight:[/COLOR]
    240 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]2004 draft measurement[/COLOR]
    265 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]3rd season weight[/COLOR]
    280 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]7th season weight[/COLOR]
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Shoes:[/COLOR] U.S. size 18

    Lebron James:
    Billed Information:
    [COLOR="Blue"][COLOR="Black"][COLOR="Blue"]NBA [COLOR="Black"](rookie)[/COLOR]:[/COLOR] 6-8, 240[/COLOR]
    NBA [COLOR="Black"](current)[/COLOR]: [COLOR="Black"]6-8, 250[/COLOR]
    Basketball Reference: [COLOR="Black"]6-8, 240 [/COLOR][/COLOR]
    Actual Measurements:
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Height:[/COLOR] 6-7.25 (2003 draft at age 18)
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Wingspan:[/COLOR] 7-0.25
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Standing Reach:[/COLOR] 8-10.25
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Hand Length:[/COLOR] 9"
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Hand Spread:[/COLOR] 9.25"
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Playing Weight:[/COLOR]
    245 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]2003 draft measurement[/COLOR]
    266 - [COLOR="DarkRed"]9th season weight[/COLOR]
    [COLOR="DarkRed"]Shoes:[/COLOR] U.S. size 15



    Discuss, compare with modern draft data:
    www.draftexpress.com/measurements





    **********************
    *Will Be Updated Periodically*
    Last edited by CavaliersFTW; 11-12-2014 at 08:40 PM. Reason: Added more details, and included Shaq and Dwight measurements

  2. #2
    7-time NBA All-Star KG215's Avatar
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    Default Re: Russell, Chamberlain, Kareem - How did they measure up?:

    So Russell is essentially Kevin Durant in terms of height, weight, and wingspan, right?

    Kareem and Thabeet have similar measurements. Kareem was measured at 7'1.625" and weighed in the 230-265 range with a 7'5" wingspan. Thabeet was measured at 7'1.25", weighed 265 pounds and has 7'6.25" wingspan. Obviously those aren't identical but it was the closest I saw when trying to find someone who compared in all three categories.

    Looks like Shaq (7'1" 303 and 7'7" wingspan) was pretty close to Wilt just a little heavier.
    Last edited by KG215; 03-26-2012 at 06:03 PM.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Kareem, Wilt, Bill Russell - Detailed Player Measurements

    what about the only size that matter




    [COLOR="White"]their hands[/COLOR]

  4. #4
    NBA Legend CavaliersFTW's Avatar
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    Default Re: Russell, Chamberlain, Kareem - How did they measure up?:

    Quote Originally Posted by KG215
    So Russell is essentially Kevin Durant in terms of height, weight, and wingspan, right?
    Wingspan is about the same but I'd bet money Russell is the taller of the two (not by much though). Durant measured 6'9 in the draft, same height as Dwight Howard (same wingspan too). Andre Iguadala met Bill Russell and commented that he was surprised at Russell's size, he said Russell is taller than Dwight Howard. Durant could have grown, but I think his lankyness, and the fact that he chose to be listed barefoot (where as everyone else has an inflated list height) throws peoples judgement off about his actual height. If he grew a full inch i'd be surprised, I wouldn't be surprised if he grew some sort of fractions of an inch though, he was what, 19 in the draft?
    Last edited by CavaliersFTW; 03-26-2012 at 06:07 PM.

  5. #5
    NBA Legend CavaliersFTW's Avatar
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    Default Re: Russell, Chamberlain, Kareem - How did they measure up?:

    Quote Originally Posted by KG215
    So Russell is essentially Kevin Durant in terms of height, weight, and wingspan, right?

    Kareem and Thabeet have similar measurements. Kareem was measured at 7'1.625" and weighed in the 230-265 range with a 7'5" wingspan. Thabeet was measured at 7'1.25", weighed 265 pounds and has 7'6.25" wingspan. Obviously those aren't identical but it was the closest I saw when trying to find someone who compared in all three categories.

    Looks like Shaq (7'1" 303 and 7'7" wingspan) was pretty close to Wilt just a little heavier.
    I should point out data that is from longer than 5-8 years ago is subject to being rounded on draftexpress.com. Shaq's height at the actual time of the draft was measured twice. Once at 7-0.63 and a 2nd time at 7-0.88. They rounded that up to 7-1. That's splitting hairs though, but I figured I'd give the precise number seeing as how I used such decimals for Kareem and Wilt lol. Shaq was the next Wilt in terms of freakish size + freakish agility/strength

  6. #6
    7-time NBA All-Star KG215's Avatar
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    Default Re: Russell, Chamberlain, Kareem - How did they measure up?:

    Quote Originally Posted by CavaliersFTW
    Wingspan is about the same but I'd bet money Russell is the taller of the two (not by much though). Durant measured 6'9 in the draft, same height as Dwight Howard (same wingspan too). Andre Iguadala met Bill Russell and commented that he was surprised at Russell's size, he said Russell is taller than Dwight Howard. Durant could have grown, but I think his lankyness, and the fact that he chose to be listed barefoot (where as everyone else has an inflated list height) throws peoples judgement off about his actual height. If he grew a full inch i'd be surprised, I wouldn't be surprised if he grew some sort of fractions of an inch though, he was what, 19 in the draft?
    I remember seeing Russell standing next to KG a few times at various Celtic games and what not (think it was the year they won the championship) and thought Russell looked like he might be just as tall as KG. Of course it's hard to judge something like that on TV because of camera angles and what not.

    But yeah, KD was 19 when he got drafted. He might be close to 6'10" barefoot and 6'11"ish in shoes.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Kareem, Wilt, Bill Russell - Detailed Player Measurements

    Is there a way you could throw your sources out there for each measurement? As in, where did you find the NCAA measurements, Olympics, etc.? I find this topic to be potentially interesting, I just want to know how legitimate the numbers are.

  8. #8
    NBA Legend CavaliersFTW's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kareem, Wilt, Bill Russell - Detailed Player Measurements

    Quote Originally Posted by Rake2204
    Is there a way you could throw your sources out there for each measurement? As in, where did you find the NCAA measurements, Olympics, etc.? I find this topic to be potentially interesting, I just want to know how legitimate the numbers are.
    Yes as stated in the post I will soon - I'm at work right now lol, my sources are bookmarked or stored on my hdd at home - I'll upload and link sources for all the measurements and "billed" information.
    Last edited by CavaliersFTW; 03-26-2012 at 06:17 PM.

  9. #9
    NBA Legend CavaliersFTW's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kareem, Wilt, Bill Russell - Detailed Player Measurements

    Quote Originally Posted by Jotaro Durant
    what about the only size that matter




    [COLOR="White"]their hands[/COLOR]


    Well, I have Wilt's hand size, and part of Russell's hand size included in the measurements. Kareem's don't exist as far as I know, so maybe he was ashamed...

  10. #10
    7-time NBA All-Star KG215's Avatar
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    Default Re: Russell, Chamberlain, Kareem - How did they measure up?:

    Quote Originally Posted by CavaliersFTW
    I should point out data that is from longer than 5-8 years ago is subject to being rounded on draftexpress.com. Shaq's height at the actual time of the draft was measured twice. Once at 7-0.63 and a 2nd time at 7-0.88. They rounded that up to 7-1. That's splitting hairs though, but I figured I'd give the precise number seeing as how I used such decimals for Kareem and Wilt lol. Shaq was the next Wilt in terms of freakish size + freakish agility/strength
    I'm only 24 so I vaguely remember Shaq's Orlando years but I remember enough to know he was an athletic freak for someone his size. I'm not saying he was as athletically freakish as Wilt but, for a 7'1" 300 pound dude, Shaq was surprisingly quick and agile to go along with some nice hops when he was younger. I think he tends to get remember more for his Lakers years where he relied on his immense size and strength to just back his man down in the post.

  11. #11
    NBA Legend CavaliersFTW's Avatar
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    Default Re: Russell, Chamberlain, Kareem - How did they measure up?:

    Quote Originally Posted by KG215
    I'm only 24 so I vaguely remember Shaq's Orlando years but I remember enough to know he was an athletic freak for someone his size. I'm not saying he was as athletically freakish as Wilt but, for a 7'1" 300 pound dude, Shaq was surprisingly quick and agile to go along with some nice hops when he was younger. I think he tends to get remember more for his Lakers years where he relied on his immense size and strength to just back his man down in the post.
    Shaq was def Wilt-esq in terms of his mobility when he was 300 and under - prob didn't have the stamina, but he had that same "moves like he's a normal sized person" on a scary-sized body. He did get too heavy afterward his early Orlando years but watch footage of his NCAA and rookie season - remarkably gifted Wilt-esq athleticism+size combo.
    Last edited by CavaliersFTW; 03-26-2012 at 06:27 PM.

  12. #12
    NBA rookie of the year Psileas's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kareem, Wilt, Bill Russell - Detailed Player Measurements

    So, Russell's hand length was actually 1 inch bigger than Wilt's? That's intersting to know. I know Russell had long hands, but would estimate to be vice-versa (around 1 inch advantage for Wilt).

  13. #13
    Lakers 2017 BlueandGold's Avatar
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    Default Re: Russell, Chamberlain, Kareem - How did they measure up?:

    So Wilt had the highest wing-span ever? I can't think of anyone else who would be close to that except maybe Ralph Sampson or some obscure draft bust player who ended up riding the bench/getting played out of the league.

  14. #14
    NBA Legend CavaliersFTW's Avatar
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    Default Re: Kareem, Wilt, Bill Russell - Detailed Player Measurements

    Quote Originally Posted by Psileas
    So, Russell's hand length was actually 1 inch bigger than Wilt's? That's intersting to know. I know Russell had long hands, but would estimate to be vice-versa (around 1 inch advantage for Wilt).
    I was very surprised at his hand length too, but inversely Wilt's hands were exceptionally wide. Based on footage it looks like Wilt could palm the ball better than just about anyone, including Russell
    Last edited by CavaliersFTW; 03-26-2012 at 06:34 PM.

  15. #15
    NBA Legend CavaliersFTW's Avatar
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    Default Re: Russell, Chamberlain, Kareem - How did they measure up?:

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueandGold
    So Wilt had the highest wing-span ever? I can't think of anyone else who would be close to that except maybe Ralph Sampson or some obscure draft bust player who ended up riding the bench/getting played out of the league.
    Sampson is allegedly only about 7'1 and change in height, based on other people who played against him from that era - and I don't believe his wingspan ever stood out. Manute Bol had a wider wingspan though, can't remember what number it was but I think it was close to 8 feet

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