What Is Average WNBA Height: Center, Forward and Guard

While basketball is a game for one and all, one aspect that remains paramount for most hoopers to succeed is their height. Although some players, such as Muggsy Bouges in the NBA, were shorter than average, they left their mark in the game. An average hooper is expected to be tall and athletic, especially to finish the job inside the rim. While we know the NBA has some of the tallest people to play the sport, what must be the average WNBA height? Let’s find out. 

Average Height of WNBA Players 

As per data from WNBA’s official website, the average height amongst the 161 active WNBA players is 6 feet 0.65 inches (184.55 cm). To understand this better, let’s dive deeper into the average WNBA height, as per positions on the court. 

Average WNBA Height of a Forward 

Forwards usually play as either power forwards or small forwards on the court. Like centers, they usually score from near the basket and take care of defense, rebounding and scoring. 

In the WNBA, the average height of a center is 6ft 2.04 inches, which is 188.07 cm. Jonquel Jones and Awak Kuier are the tallest WNBA forwards, both listed at 6’6”. 

Average WNBA Height of a Center 

Centers are usually supposed to be the tallest players on the court. Their job is mainly to protect the rim and grab as many rebounds, both on the offensive and defensive end. Sometimes, centers can even go forward in the offense and help the guards in post-up plays as well. 

The average WNBA height of a center is 6ft 4.37 inches, which is 193.99 cm tall. The tallest player and center in the WNBA is Han Xu, who plays for New York Liberty. Standing at 6ft 11 inches tall, Xu was a second-round pick in the 2019 WNBA draft and is 8 inches taller than 6ft 3 inches centers Dulcy Fankam Mendijadeu and Megan Gustafson in the league. 

Xu also helped the Chinese national team win a silver medal in the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Though sidelined for an injury, Xu will definitely make a stellar comeback once she recovers and gets back with the New York Liberty.

ALSO READ: Top 10 Greatest WNBA Award Winners of All Time

Average WNBA Height of a Guard 

A guard is the shortest position group in basketball and their job is to run the offense and work as a floor general on the court. The average WNBA height of a guard is 6ft 0.12 inches, which is 183.19cm tall. 

The shortest guard in the league currently is Crystal Dangerfield, who is just 5’5” in height. She is exactly a foot shorter than 6’5” guard Elena Delle Donne. Both the guards were recipients of WNBA Rookie of the Year in their rookie seasons, showing that height is just a number and is all about how well one can hoop.

 There are 57 players listed in the league, with their height being shorter than 6ft tall. 

Tallest WNBA Players in the League 

The following are the tallest WNBA players currently active in the league right now, as per league statistics.

Comparing WNBA Players Height to NBA Players

Given that men tend to usually be taller than women, an NBA player’s average height is much higher than their WNBA counterparts. As per Hoopsbeast, an average NBA player is 6ft 7 inches tall, similar height to the great Michael Jordan

Comparing the average height of the NBA and WNBA, the difference comes to 6 inches. Centers and forwards in the NBA average 6ft 11 inches and 6 ft 7 inches in height, respectively. On the other hand, there is a six-inch difference between guards in both leagues.

NBA has witnessed several anomalies to these averages, with some of the tallest and shortest individuals competing for glory in the league. The tallest player to grace the NBA hardwood was Gheorghe Muresan, standing 7″7′ as a center. The shortest player to play in the league was Muggsy Bouges, standing 5’4″ as a guard.

Conclusion

The WNBA has witnessed several players come and go, differing in height and skill sets. However, one definite thing is their ability to bring out the best in their team and combine their skills to hoop at the most elite level. Surely, height is an X factor in basketball, giving players an advantage inside the paint and the ability to perform flashy dunks against opponent teams. Tall players mostly utilize their size and stature to dominate inside the paint.

On the other hand, shorter players combine speed and agility in dictating offense on the floor. The differences and height variations make the WNBA an extremely dynamic league to look out for. Every year, fresher talents are drafted who combine both their physical and athletic bag to ace as top professional basketball players in the world.