<P> The average height for a baseball player as evidenced by statistics is reported to be 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in) tall . In baseball, being taller usually means longer legs, which power pitchers use to generate velocity and a release point closer to the plate, which means the ball reaches the batter more quickly . The ball also comes from a higher release angle opposed to a shorter pitcher . While taller position players have a larger strike zone, most position players are at least of average height because the larger frame allows them to generate more power . </P> <P> Taller players are often thought to have an advantage in basketball because their shots have less distance to travel to the basket, they start out closer to the rebound, and their ability to reach higher into the air yields a better chance of blocking shorter players' shots . </P> <P> Empirically, the over-representation of extremely tall athletes in basketball lends credence to the theory that the sport provides tall players with a very significant advantage . The average American male is 5 ft 9.3 in (1.76 m) and 60% are 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) or shorter . Yet, the average player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) is listed at 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m). </P> <P> Despite this, some shorter players have played, and even excelled, in the NBA (and some players 6'7" or taller have not excelled at all). The list includes 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) Muggsy Bogues, 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) Earl Boykins, 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) Spud Webb, 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) Nate Robinson and Isaiah Thomas . Spud Webb and Nate Robinson have also been crowned as NBA slam dunk contest champions, with Robinson being the only 3 - time winner . In addition, a lower center of gravity allows greater ability to box out opponents for rebounds . Charles Barkley was considered to be undersized for his position at 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) but was nevertheless a powerful rebounder . As for guards, usually being the shortest position in basketball, they have better control over their dribbling, and taller players often struggle to defend against their dexterous ball handling and speed . At the same time, they can disrupt the opposing teams' offensive flow or even steal the ball to create fast breaks and offensive opportunities . </P>

What is the average height of a basketball player in the nba