Last week, Marc Stein of the New York Times reported that the NBA is asking the teams to submit the "precise height and age" of their players. If these details are revealed, this would surely lead to some interesting developments because many in the league are definitely not as tall as they claim.
The first "suspect" on the list is Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans. The No. 1 select of the 2019 NBA Draft, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, is officially recorded as 1.98 meters tall, though he was listed as 2.01 meters when he was playing for Duke.
The difference of three centimeters won't change much for Williamson's career, thanks to the remarkable athleticism he has. But as the 19-year-old's actual height is disclosed, mystery continues over the height of several other players. Here's a list of other possible "suspects."
#1. Kevin Durant: I'm 6'6" (about 2.06 meters)
Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets poses for photos during the team's Media Day event, September 27, 2019. /VCG Photo
Kevin Durant, one of the best scorers in NBA history, is fiercely unstoppable on the court partly because of the combination of his height, athleticism and skills. Thanks to his size and long limbs, when Durant puts up a pull-up jumper or a fade-away shot, the defenders fail to even block his view. Chinese basketball commentator Yu Jia used these words to describe this fierce and fiery player: "You cannot even imagine what the basket looks like in his eyes when he jumps to shoot because no one that tall can jump that high."
Kevin Durant #5 and DeAndre Jordan #6 of Team USA walk together in the game against Serbia at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, August 12, 2016. /VCG Photo
Since he has joined the league, Durant maintains that he is only 2.06 meters. When he stood by DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan, both of whom have been confirmed as at least 2.11 meters tall, Durant actually seemed a bit taller.
#2. Kevin Garnett: I'm not a seven-footer (2.13 meters or more)
Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers, December 9, 2015. /VCG Photo
In 1995, when he joined the league, Kevin Garnett said he's 2.11 meters tall. Just like Durant, Garnett's reputation came from having it all - height, skills and agility. From a young age, KG could play all five positions and carry the ball through the half-court, which was very rare at that time. His signature quick switch between double-teaming and defense was possible only because of his unique gift.
Kevin Garnett #5 and Shaquille O'Neal #36 of the Boston Celtics have a word with each other in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, November 30, 2010. /VCG Photo
However, Garnett is definitely not 2.11 meters. When he was standing with Shaquille O'Neal, the two seemed to be around of equal length, and O'Neal is at least 2.16 meters tall. Well, one simple reason for KG's unwillingness to admit to his true height is that he does not want to play as a center so he could stay away from monsters like O'Neal.
#3. Ben Wallace, a '2.06-meter' center
Ben Wallace of the Detroit Pistons reacts in the game against the Miami Heat, May 31, 2005. /VCG Photo
Unlike the above-mentioned two players, this one has overstated his height. Ben Wallace, four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), has a registered height of 2.06 meters. But even with that signature afro hair in his early years, Wallace is absolutely not 2.06 meters tall. Many experts and fans believe that he's not more than 2.01 meters.
Ben Wallace (L) and Lebron James (R) of the Cleveland Cavaliers communicate with each other in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies, February 24, 2008. /VCG Photo
Of course, the height did not stop Wallace from becoming a top defensive center in NBA history. The four DPOY awards, two rebounding leadership and one blocks championship in his kitty speak louder than words.