NBA basketball: Is height more important than skill?
Feb 24, 2024
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Delving into the impact of height in NBA success, the podcast explores height vs. skill in basketball. It compares scoring records and height-adjusted performance, and discusses AI tools for data analysis and creativity.
Each inch height increase doubles odds of reaching NBA.
Extremely tall NBA players not exceptional in athleticism or skills.
Deep dives
Height Impact on NBA Player Chances
The height of a man significantly influences his likelihood of becoming an NBA player. Research by Seth Stevens-Dovidovitz revealed that each inch increase in height roughly doubles the chances of reaching the NBA. For instance, a man who is 6 feet tall has twice the probability compared to someone who is 5'11''. This trend continues up to 7' tall individuals whose odds are significantly higher than average-height men, showcasing how height plays a crucial role in NBA player selection.
The Influence of Height on Athletic Performance
Contrary to traditional beliefs, extremely tall NBA players like those above 7 feet are not necessarily exceptional athletes in terms of speed, shooting accuracy, or overall athleticism. Data analysis by Seth Stevens-Dovidovitz revealed that these tall players exhibit average or below-average athleticism and shooting skills, with some shooting free throws at a lower percentage than high school players. The advantage for tall players lies in their height, reducing the competitive pressure to excel in other athletic aspects, highlighting the unique dynamics at play in professional basketball.
In the NBA, the US professional basketball league, the average player is a shade over 6ft 6 inches tall. So just how much does being very tall increase a man’s chances of becoming a professional player?
Tim Harford talks to data scientist Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, author of Who Makes the NBA?: Data-Driven Answers to Basketball’s Biggest Questions.
Presenter: Tim Harford
Producer: Debbie Richford
Production Co-ordinator: Katie Morrison
Series Producer: Tom Colls
Sound Mix: David Crackles
Editor: Richard Vadon
(Image: Charlotte Hornets v New York Knicks. Credit: Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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