Body size plays a crucial role in the success of basketball players. In this article, we will examine the historical anthropometric data of NBA players, focusing on their height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). By analyzing this data, we aim to identify any trends in the changes of these parameters over time. Are NBA players getting taller and leaner, or have we reached a plateau in body size while athleticism now determines success?
Analysis Over Time – The Data
To conduct our analysis, we utilized the age, height, weight, and BMI data of NBA players. We compared the measurements of first-year players from each year since 1947. This data was derived from the Basketball Reference website, courtesy of Omri Goldstein. The dataset comprises statistics of over 3000 NBA players from 1947 to 2018. You can find the tabulated data and links to the original dataset here.
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Age of Rookie Players from 1947-2018
Let’s start by looking at the average age of NBA players throughout the years. The age used for analysis is the age they were at the start of October in their first year of playing in the NBA.
The higher average age during the first six years reflects the early days of the NBA when teams were joining the competition, and rookie players included mature and experienced individuals. In later years, the rookies were predominantly junior players, resulting in a lower average age for first-year players.
Height of Rookie Players from 1947-2018
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Next, we’ll examine the average height of NBA players in their first year. The height values are converted from the supplied units in feet and inches. If you need to convert these values back to imperial units, you can use one of our calculators.
Since the inception of the NBA in 1949, the average player height has significantly increased. However, over the past 40 years, it has mostly ranged between 198cm (6’6″) and 202cm (6’7.5″).
It is worth noting that the tallest player in NBA history is Gheorghe Mureşan, who measured an impressive 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm) tall. On the other end of the spectrum, Muggsy Bogues holds the record as the shortest person to play in the NBA, standing at just 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall. Earl Boykins, at a height of 5 feet 5 inches (1.65m), is the second shortest player in NBA history.
Weight of Rookie Players from 1947-2018
Moving on, let’s explore the average weight of NBA players during their first year. The weight values are converted from the supplied units in pounds. If you wish to convert these values back to imperial units, you can use one of our calculators.
Average player weight has significantly increased since the start of the NBA competition in 1949. Although player heights have generally plateaued since around 1980, the graphs do not show the same pattern. It appears that in recent years, players have become bulkier, leading to an increase in overall weight. However, it is worth noting that the data does not allow us to determine whether this increase is due to fat or muscle. Interestingly, in recent years, the average weight of first-year players seems to be decreasing, which is further illustrated in the BMI data.
BMI of Rookie Players from 1947-2018
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Using the height and weight measures, we have calculated the average BMI (body mass index) of NBA players. It is important to note that BMI is a general measure of leanness, although it may not be entirely accurate for athletes.
The average BMI in recent years hovers just below 25. While there are many NBA players with BMIs over 25, which is considered “overweight” based on standard BMI categories, this can be misleading when applied to athletic populations. Athletes with high levels of muscle mass in proportion to their height can yield high BMI values. Therefore, these higher BMI values do not necessarily indicate that players are getting fatter but are more likely influenced by changes in muscle bulk.
The trend in average BMI for first-year players reveals intriguing patterns. The decrease in BMI between 1970 and 1990 occurred concurrently with an increase in average player height, suggesting that players were becoming leaner. In recent years, there is a noticeable trend of decreasing BMI, potentially indicating a collective drive towards greater fitness and athleticism among players, resulting in leaner bodies.
FAQs
1. What is the average weight of NBA players?
The average weight of NBA players has significantly increased since the beginning of the competition in 1949. However, in recent years, the average weight of first-year players is showing a slight decrease.
2. Are NBA players getting taller?
Yes, the average height of NBA players has increased since the inception of the league. However, over the past 40 years, it has mostly remained within the range of 198cm (6’6″) to 202cm (6’7.5″).
3. How does BMI affect NBA players?
BMI is a measure of leanness calculated using height and weight. While it can be a useful indicator for the general population, it may not accurately represent the physique of athletes, particularly those with high muscle mass. Therefore, higher BMI values among NBA players might be a reflection of increased muscle bulk rather than excess body fat.
4. Who is the tallest and shortest player in NBA history?
The tallest player in NBA history is Gheorghe Mureşan, measuring an incredible 7 feet 7 inches (231 cm) tall. Conversely, Muggsy Bogues holds the record as the shortest person to play in the NBA, standing at just 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall.
Conclusion
The body size of NBA players has undergone significant changes over the years. While player heights have generally plateaued in recent decades, average weights have continued to rise. However, this increase in weight is not necessarily indicative of players becoming fatter; rather, it might be attributed to changes in muscle bulk. Moreover, recent trends indicate that first-year players are becoming leaner, as illustrated by decreasing BMI values. The NBA remains a fascinating platform for analyzing the relationship between body size and performance in professional basketball.
*Note: This article is a rewritten version of the original content from Auralpressure.
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