A ranked list of 10 of the best NBA players who are 6'9": Find out who tops the list

A ranked list of 10 of the best NBA players who are 6'9": Find out who tops the list

Helix Odhiambo
September 26, 2023 at 3:14 PM

In basketball, height plays a crucial role in determining someone's success. Tall players have an advantage when blocking shots, defending the rim, and scoring. We highlight the best NBA players who are 6'9" or 2.06 m tall, their achievements, and what sets them apart from others.

NBA players who are 6'9"
LeBron James (R) of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball, as Jaden McDaniels (L) of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on 31 March 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo: David Berding
Source: Getty Images

The average height of NBA players is about 6'6" or 1.986m in 2023. Every team has significant height differences between their players, which also varies depending on someone's playing position. Some areas require taller athletes than others.

Top NBA players who are 6'9"

The list of all NBA players who are 6'9" is long. The league has dozens of athletes with the height, including some of the best stars. So, what NBA players are 6 foot 9?

Player

Position

Team

LeBron James

Small forward/power forward

Los Angels Lakers

Bam Adebayo

Centre/power forward

Miami Heat

Jarrett Allen

Centre

Cleveland Cavaliers

Kyle Kuzma

Small forward/power forward

Washington Wizards

Robert Williams III

Centre

Boston Celtics

Alfred Horford

Power forward

Boston Celtics

Jaden McDaniels

Small forward/power forward

Minnesota Timberwolves

John Collins

Power forward/ centre

Utah Jazz

Onyeka Okongwu

Centre/power forward

Atlanta Hawks

Christian Wood

Centre/power forward

Los Angels Lakers

LeBron James, Bam Adebayo, and Jarrett Allen are among the current NBA players who are 6'9". Here is a breakdown of the top 10 best 6'9" basketball stars who have had impressive performances as of 2023.

10. Christian Wood

Current NBA players who are 6'9"
Christian Wood of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on 27 March 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Photo: Dylan Buell
Source: Getty Images

Christian Wood is a talented and versatile player nicknamed 'The Thin Tower'. He has eight years of experience playing in the NBA. Wood was named the second most improved NBA player in the 2020-21 season and earned a selection in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game Rising Stars.

  • Date of birth: 27 September 1995
  • Age: 28 (as of September 2023)
  • Place of birth: Long Beach, California, United States
  • Weight: 97 Kg (213 Ibs)
  • NBA draft: 2015 undrafted
  • NBA Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Milwaukee Bucks, New Orleans Pelicans, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers
  • Social media: Instagram, X (Twitter)

9. Onyeka Okongwu

Current NBA players who are 6'9"
Onyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks is one of the best NBA players who are 6'9". Photo: Kenny Giarla, Sean Gardner (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Okongwu is a young centre/power forward who plays for the Atlanta Hawks. He is among the best young centres in the league. Onyeka studied at Chino Hills High School and the University of Southern California, where he played basketball before moving to the NBA.

  • Date of birth: 11 December 2000
  • Age: 22 (as of September 2023)
  • Place of birth: Los Angeles, California, United States
  • Weight: 111 kg (245 lbs)
  • NBA draft: 2020 (1st round, 6th overall pick)
  • NBA Team: Atlanta Hawks
  • Social media: Instagram, X (Twitter)

8. John Collins

What NBA players are 6 foot 9?
John Collins (20) of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on 15 January 2021 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Melissa Majchrzak
Source: Getty Images

Collins is an outstanding player with impressive jumping ability and strong defensive skills. He grew up in a sports-loving family, following his parents' footsteps. His father, John, was a basketball coach, while his mother, Lisa, played basketball. Collins got drafted into the NBA after two years at Wake Forest University.

  • Date of birth: 23 September 1997
  • Age: 25 (as of September 2023)
  • Place of birth: Layton, Utah, United States
  • Weight: 103 kg (226 Ibs)
  • NBA draft: 2017 (1st round, 19th overall pick)
  • NBA Teams: Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz
  • Social media: Instagram, X (Twitter)

7. Jaden McDaniels

The Timberwolves star was one of the most anticipated players across Washington during his teenage years. He earned the USA Today All-USA Washington first-team honours and became a top Nike Elite Youth Basketball League recruit.

Mcdaniels is among the top NBA players who are 6'9" in the Western Conference, alongside John Collins and Christian Wood.

  • Date of birth: 29 September 2000
  • Age: 23 (as of September 2023)
  • Place of birth: Seattle, Washington, United States
  • Weight: 84 kg (185 Ibs)
  • NBA draft: 2020 (1st round, 28th overall pick)
  • NBA Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Social media: Instagram, X (Twitter)

6. Alfred Horford

6'9" centres in the NBA
Horford played college basketball for the Florida Gators before joining the NBA. He has had two spells with the Boston Celtics. Photo: @alhorford (modified by author)
Source: Instagram

Al Horford is a five-time NBA All-Star and one of the highest-paid Latin American basketball players. The 6'9" Dominican athlete is known for his explosive movements and strength. Throughout his career, Horford has contributed as a scorer, playmaker, and rim protector for his teams.

  • Date of birth: 3 June 1986
  • Age: 37 (as of September 2023)
  • Place of birth: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
  • Weight: 109 kg (240 lbs)
  • NBA draft: 2007 (1st round, 3rd overall pick)
  • NBA Teams: Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics
  • Social media: Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter)

5. Robert Williams III

Top NBA players who are 6'9" of all time
Robert Williams III, famously known as 'Time Lord', played college basketball for the Texas A&M Aggies. He is one of the best centres in the NBA. Photo: Maddie Malhotra
Source: Getty Images

Robert, famously known as 'Time Lord', is known for his shot-blocking and rim-protecting abilities. He is among the best and most respected 6'9" centres in the NBA. However, the Boston Celtics player has suffered numerous injuries in his career, hampering his consistency.

  • Date of birth: 17 October 1997
  • Age: 25 (as of September 2023)
  • Place of birth: Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
  • Weight: 107.5 kg (237 lbs)
  • NBA draft: 2018 (1st round, 27th overall pick)
  • NBA Teams: Boston Celtics
  • Social media: Instagram

4. Kyle Kuzma

6'9" point guards in the NBA
Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards shoots a free throw during the game against the Sacramento Kings on 18 March 2023 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Photo: Kenny Giarla
Source: Getty Images

Kyle has proved his talent, playing for some of the best teams in the NBA. He scooped the NBA Rookie of the Year award and the 2020 NBA championship with the LA Lakers. The American athlete has also appeared in the All-Rookie Team once. He left the Lakers in 2021 for the Washington Lizards.

  • Date of birth: 24 July 1995
  • Age: 28 (as of September 2023)
  • Place of birth: Flint, Michigan, United States
  • Weight: 100.2 kg (221 lbs)
  • NBA draft: 2017 (1st round, 27th overall pick)
  • NBA Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards
  • Social media: Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter)

3. Jarrett Allen

NBA players who are 6'9" in the West
Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers is among the current NBA players who are 6'9". Photo: Kirk Irwin, Stephen Gosling (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The young centre ranks among the most physical and versatile players in the NBA. He is the son of former Mavericks Dallas player Leonard Allen. Jarren began his NBA career with the Brooklyn Nets in 2017 before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021. He got his first NBA All-Star Game in February 2022.

  • Date of birth: 21 April 1998
  • Age: 25 (as of September 2023)
  • Place of birth: San Diego, California, United States
  • Weight: 110 kg (242.5 lbs)
  • NBA draft: 2017 (1st round, 22nd overall pick)
  • NBA Teams: Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Social media: Instagram, X (Twitter)

2. Bam Adebayo

The Miami rising star is known for his athleticism, shot-blocking, and defensive prowess. He is among the best NBA players who are 6'9" in the Eastern Conference. Adebayo was an outstanding high school and college basketball player before storming the NBA.

Adebayo's achievements include appearing in the All-Defensive Team four times and garnering the NBA Player of the Week Title once. He is also a two-time NBA All-Star.

  • Date of birth: 18 July 1997
  • Age: 26 (as of September 2023)
  • Place of birth: Newark, New Jersey, United States
  • Weight: 115.7 kg (255 lbs)
  • NBA draft: 2017 (1st round, 14th overall pick)
  • NBA Team: Miami Heat
  • Social media: Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter)

1. LeBron James

NBA players who are 6'9" in the East
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Golden State Warriors on 10 May 2023 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. Photo: Noah Graham
Source: Getty Images

Besides topping the list, LeBron James also ranks among the best 6'9" NBA players of all time. He ranks among the greatest basketball players in history. LeBron has achieved numerous accolades, including NBA championships, MVP awards, and All-Star selections.

  • Date of birth: 30 December 1984
  • Age: 38 (as of September 2023)
  • Place of birth: Akron, Ohio, United States
  • Weight: 113.4 kg (250 lbs)
  • NBA draft: 2003 (1st round, 1st pick)
  • NBA Team: Miami Heat
  • Social media: Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter)

6'9" point guards in the NBA

The average height of NBA point guards ranges between 6' to 6'3". Most players in the position are not as tall as forwards and centres. Some of the few point guards who are 6'9" have retired or are playing in different leagues. They include Dzanan Musa, Dorell Wright, Magic Johnson, and Danny Granger.

Other NBA players who are 6'9" include Bruno Fernando, Charles Bassey, Jeremy Sochan, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Taj Gibson, and Jericho Sims. Their incredible heights have given them an advantage over their opponents. However, the NBA has many other players taller than 6'9".

READ ALSO: All you need to know about Leonard Francois, Naomi's father

Sports Brief recently revealed details about Naomi Osaka's father, Leonard François, including what he does for a living. Leonard is a well-known legend who took it upon himself to train her two daughters to become professional tennis players.

Leonard's other daughter is Mari Osaka. His fame skyrocketed following Naomi's achievements in the tennis world, with many people inquiring about him. Follow the above link to learn more about the man who made one of the best tennis female stars on earth.

Authors
Helix Odhiambo photo
Helix Odhiambo
Helix Odhiambo is an award-winning Kenyan journalist and content creator with over 6 years of experience. In 2016, he won the Goal Blaze Correspondent Award for young writers.