It’s a question that basketball fans have pondered for years: just how tall are NBA players really? Listed heights are often accepted without question, but delve a little deeper, and you might find a gap between perception and reality. When it comes to players like Kevin Love, the official numbers might not always tell the full story. So, how tall is Kevin Love? Let’s dive into the measurements, the myths, and the reasons behind the NBA’s height game.
The NBA Height Game: Listed vs. Real
For decades, the listed heights of NBA players have been shrouded in a bit of mystery. While official rosters provide a number, these figures aren’t always based on precise, standardized measurements. Instead, teams often have the liberty to list players with heights that suit a certain narrative or simply sound more impressive. This practice leads to discrepancies between what’s officially stated and a player’s actual barefoot height.
The debate often revolves around the concept of “height in shoes.” The argument goes, “They play in shoes, so that’s the height that matters.” While it’s true players wear shoes on the court, measuring height with footwear introduces inconsistency and inflation. Imagine if other sports measured athletes with equipment – NFL players “in helmet” or boxers “in gloves”? It highlights the absurdity of relying on “in shoes” as a definitive metric.
Kevin Love and Derrick Williams height comparison
Kevin Love’s Actual Height: The Draft Combine Data
To get to the bottom of Kevin Love’s true height, we need to look beyond the team listings and delve into pre-draft measurements. Fortunately, organizations like Draft Express meticulously compile data from the NBA Combine, where prospects are measured without shoes. These measurements offer a much more accurate picture of a player’s actual stature.
According to Draft Express’s data, Kevin Love’s pre-draft barefoot height is 6 feet 7.75 inches. This contrasts noticeably with his often listed height of 6 feet 10 inches. That’s a difference of over two inches! This discrepancy isn’t unique to Love; many players experience a similar “growth spurt” between the combine and their official NBA listings.
The visual evidence also supports the pre-draft measurement. As seen in photos alongside players like Derrick Williams, who is listed at 6’8″, Kevin Love appears to be closer in height, if not even slightly shorter. This visual comparison further reinforces the idea that Love’s actual height is closer to 6’8″ than 6’10”.
Why Do NBA Teams Inflate Heights?
So, why the height inflation in the NBA? There are several potential reasons. Firstly, taller players are often perceived as more valuable, especially in positions like power forward and center. Listing a player as taller can enhance their perceived dominance and intimidate opponents. It plays into the myth-making aspect of sports, where larger-than-life figures capture the imagination of fans.
Secondly, there might be a historical element. In the past, pre-draft measurements were less readily available, giving teams more leeway to control the narrative around a player’s size. While data is more accessible now, the tradition of slightly exaggerating heights seems to persist.
Finally, from a marketing perspective, a taller listing might simply sound better. “6’10” sounds more imposing than “6’8”, even if the actual difference is minimal. This subtle inflation can contribute to a player’s overall image and marketability.
Conclusion: Kevin Love’s Height and the NBA’s Measurement Mystery
In conclusion, while Kevin Love is officially listed at 6’10”, his pre-draft barefoot measurement of 6’7.75″ and visual comparisons suggest his actual height is closer to 6’8″. This highlights a broader trend in the NBA, where listed heights often deviate from reality. While the reasons for this inflation are varied, understanding the difference between listed and actual heights provides a more accurate perspective on player statures and the fascinating world of NBA measurements. So, next time you see a player’s height, remember to take it with a grain of salt – the true numbers might be a couple of inches shorter than advertised.
