Some of basketball’s most recognizable guards and forwards have stood at 6 feet 6 inches (6’6″, or approximately 198 cm). This height offers a useful combination of size, strength, shooting ability, and defensive versatility. Players such as Michael Jordan, Andre Iguodala, and DeMar DeRozan have shown how valuable that combination can be in the NBA.
But not every player of the same height plays the same way. Some become exceptional scorers, while others build successful careers through defense, playmaking, and reliable shooting. This article looks at the greatest 6’6″ NBA players, their draft selections, first teams, and major career achievements. It also includes four notable players from the original list whose officially listed heights are slightly different.
Top 20 Greatest 6’6″ NBA Players in History
Here are 20 notable NBA players, including 16 listed at 6’6″ and four closely related height comparisons. The players represent different eras of basketball, from legendary champions to dependable role players.
Michael Jordan
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard
- Draft: 1984, first round
- Pick: 3rd overall
- First NBA Team: Chicago Bulls
- Achievements: 6× NBA champion, 6× NBA Finals MVP, 5× NBA Most Valuable Player
Michael Jordan is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His outstanding scoring ability, competitive spirit, and defensive skills helped the Chicago Bulls win six NBA championships during the 1990s.
Jordan was also a ten-time NBA scoring champion and an exceptional defensive player. After his playing career, he expanded his business interests through endorsements, investments, and team ownership. His success made him one of the most financially successful athletes in sports history.
Billy Cunningham
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Small forward / Power forward
- Draft: 1965, first round
- Pick: 7th overall
- First NBA Team: Philadelphia 76ers
- Achievements: NBA champion, 4× NBA All-Star, 3× All-NBA First Team, ABA MVP
Billy Cunningham, nicknamed the “Kangaroo Kid,” was a versatile forward known for his rebounding, scoring, and athletic ability. He played an important role in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 1967 NBA championship.
After retiring as a player, Cunningham became a successful coach and guided Philadelphia to the 1983 NBA championship. His achievements as both a player and coach earned him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
DeMar DeRozan
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 2009, first round
- Pick: 9th overall
- First NBA Team: Toronto Raptors
- Achievements: 6× NBA All-Star, 3× All-NBA selection
DeMar DeRozan is recognized for his exceptional midrange shooting, footwork, and ability to create scoring opportunities. He developed into a franchise star with the Toronto Raptors before continuing his career with the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Sacramento Kings.
Unlike many modern players who rely heavily on three-point shooting, DeRozan built much of his offensive game around midrange jump shots and drives to the basket. His consistency has made him one of the most accomplished scorers of his generation.
Andre Iguodala
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
- Draft: 2004, first round
- Pick: 9th overall
- First NBA Team: Philadelphia 76ers
- Achievements: 4× NBA champion, NBA Finals MVP, NBA All-Star
Andre Iguodala enjoyed a successful NBA career thanks to his defense, passing, and ability to contribute without dominating the offense. He became especially valuable during the Golden State Warriors’ championship years.
In 2015, Iguodala received the NBA Finals MVP award for his performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He retired from professional basketball in 2023 after winning four NBA championships.
Danny Green
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 2009, second round
- Pick: 46th overall
- First NBA Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
- Achievements: 3× NBA champion, NBA All-Defensive Second Team
Danny Green became one of the NBA’s respected three-and-D players, combining accurate three-point shooting with dependable perimeter defense.
He won NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, Toronto Raptors in 2019, and Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Winning titles with three different franchises reflects his ability to contribute to successful teams.
Mark Aguirre
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Small forward
- Draft: 1981, first round
- Pick: 1st overall
- First NBA Team: Dallas Mavericks
- Achievements: 2× NBA champion, 3× NBA All-Star, Naismith College Player of the Year
Mark Aguirre was one of the leading scorers of the 1980s. After being selected first overall by Dallas, he quickly became an important player for the Mavericks.
Aguirre later joined the Detroit Pistons and helped the team win consecutive NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. His scoring ability and physical playing style made him a valuable forward throughout his career.
Kelly Tripucka
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Small forward
- Draft: 1981, first round
- Pick: 12th overall
- First NBA Team: Detroit Pistons
- Achievements: 2× NBA All-Star, NBA All-Rookie First Team
Kelly Tripucka was an effective scoring forward who started his NBA career with the Detroit Pistons. He earned two All-Star selections during his early years with the team.
After Detroit, he played for the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets. His ability to score from different areas of the court helped him remain productive during his NBA career.
DeAndre Liggins
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 2011, second round
- Pick: 53rd overall
- First NBA Team: Orlando Magic
- Achievements: NBA Development League champion, Development League All-Star, All-Defensive recognition
DeAndre Liggins built much of his professional basketball career around defense and energy. He played for several NBA organizations and also gained recognition in the NBA Development League, now known as the G League.
Although he never became a major NBA scorer, his defensive ability and determination helped him continue playing professionally.
Dahntay Jones
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 2003, first round
- Pick: 20th overall
- Drafting Team: Boston Celtics
- First NBA Team: Memphis Grizzlies
- Achievements: NBA champion, First-team All-ACC, 2× ACC All-Defensive Team
Dahntay Jones became known for his energetic defense and physical playing style. Although Boston selected him in the draft, his rights were traded to Memphis, where he began his NBA career.
He spent several seasons with different teams and won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
Thabo Sefolosha
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 2006, first round
- Pick: 13th overall
- Drafting Team: Philadelphia 76ers
- First NBA Team: Chicago Bulls
- Achievements: NBA All-Defensive Second Team
Thabo Sefolosha was born in Switzerland and developed into a dependable perimeter defender in the NBA. Philadelphia drafted him before trading his rights to Chicago.
He later became an important defensive player for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Atlanta Hawks. His ability to guard talented opposing players helped him remain valuable for many seasons.
Sonny Weems
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 2008, second round
- Pick: 39th overall
- Drafting Team: Chicago Bulls
- First NBA Team: Denver Nuggets
- Achievements: All-EuroLeague First Team, Chinese Basketball Association championships
Sonny Weems played for several NBA teams, including Denver and Toronto, before finding considerable success in international basketball.
He became a respected scorer overseas, particularly in European and Chinese basketball competitions. His professional career demonstrates how players can build successful careers outside the NBA.
Brandon Rush
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 2008, first round
- Pick: 13th overall
- Drafting Team: Portland Trail Blazers
- First NBA Team: Indiana Pacers
- Achievements: NBA champion, NCAA champion
Brandon Rush was a talented outside shooter who helped the Kansas Jayhawks win the 2008 NCAA championship before entering the NBA.
Although Portland drafted him, he was traded to Indiana and began his professional career with the Pacers. He later became part of the Golden State Warriors’ 2015 championship team.
Tyreke Evans
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Point guard / Shooting guard
- Draft: 2009, first round
- Pick: 4th overall
- First NBA Team: Sacramento Kings
- Achievements: NBA Rookie of the Year, NBA All-Rookie First Team
Tyreke Evans entered the NBA with impressive size, ballhandling, and scoring ability. During his rookie season, he averaged more than 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game.
Those performances earned him the 2010 NBA Rookie of the Year award. Injuries and other career interruptions affected his later years, but his outstanding rookie season remains a notable achievement.
Jason Richardson
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 2001, first round
- Pick: 5th overall
- First NBA Team: Golden State Warriors
- Achievements: 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, NBA All-Rookie First Team, NCAA champion
Jason Richardson was one of the NBA’s most entertaining dunkers during the 2000s. He won consecutive Slam Dunk Contests in 2002 and 2003.
Beyond his athleticism, Richardson developed into a reliable scorer and three-point shooter. He enjoyed productive seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Bobcats, Phoenix Suns, and other teams.
Lewis Lloyd
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 1981, fourth round
- Pick: 76th overall
- First NBA Team: Golden State Warriors
- Achievements: 2× Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, two All-American Third Team selections
Lewis Lloyd played in the NBA during the 1980s and early 1990s. He became particularly well known for his scoring contributions with the Houston Rockets.
Lloyd helped Houston reach the 1986 NBA Finals. His offensive ability and athleticism made him a useful player during his time in the league.
Craig Ehlo
- Height: 6’6″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 1983, third round
- Pick: 48th overall
- First NBA Team: Houston Rockets
- Achievements: 14 NBA seasons, NBA Finals appearance with Houston
Craig Ehlo spent 14 seasons in the NBA and became a respected perimeter defender. He played for Houston, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Seattle.
Many basketball fans remember him for defending Michael Jordan during “The Shot” in the 1989 NBA playoffs. However, Ehlo’s career included much more than that famous moment, particularly his years as a dependable Cleveland Cavaliers player.
Four Famous NBA Players Close to 6’6″ in Height
The following four players appeared in the original list. However, commonly used NBA and Basketball-Reference listings place them at either 6’5″ or 6’7″. They deserve recognition, but separating them prevents confusion about their officially recorded heights.
Klay Thompson
- Listed Height: 6’5″
- Position: Shooting guard
- Draft: 2011, first round
- Pick: 11th overall
- First NBA Team: Golden State Warriors
- Achievements: 4× NBA champion, 5× NBA All-Star, 2× All-NBA Third Team
Klay Thompson is one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history. Alongside Stephen Curry, he helped form one of the league’s most successful shooting combinations.
Thompson won four championships with Golden State and became famous for his quick shooting release and ability to score many points in a short period. He joined the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 after spending 13 seasons with the Warriors.
Alec Burks
- Listed Height: 6’5″
- Position: Shooting guard / Point guard
- Draft: 2011, first round
- Pick: 12th overall
- First NBA Team: Utah Jazz
- Achievements: Big 12 Freshman of the Year, First-team All-Big 12
Alec Burks developed into a useful scoring guard with the Utah Jazz. Over his career, he contributed to multiple NBA teams through his shooting, ballhandling, and ability to provide points from the bench.
His size and versatility allowed him to play both guard positions, although official NBA listings generally place his height at 6 feet 5 inches.
Gerald Green
- Listed Height: 6’7″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 2005, first round
- Pick: 18th overall
- First NBA Team: Boston Celtics
- Achievements: NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, NBA Development League champion
Gerald Green became famous for his extraordinary jumping ability and exciting dunks. He won the 2007 NBA Slam Dunk Contest and played for several teams during his professional career.
He was also a capable outside shooter and enjoyed productive seasons with the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets. His officially listed height is 6 feet 7 inches.
Clyde Drexler
- Listed Height: 6’7″
- Position: Shooting guard / Small forward
- Draft: 1983, first round
- Pick: 14th overall
- First NBA Team: Portland Trail Blazers
- Achievements: NBA champion, 10× NBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist
Clyde Drexler, nicknamed “Clyde the Glide,” was one of the most talented shooting guards of his generation. His combination of speed, athleticism, and scoring helped Portland reach two NBA Finals.
He later joined the Houston Rockets and won the NBA championship in 1995. Drexler was also a member of the famous 1992 United States Olympic Dream Team. His listed height is 6 feet 7 inches.
Why Are 6’6″ NBA Players So Successful?
Height is an important advantage in basketball, but it does not guarantee success. Many 6’6″ NBA players have performed well because their size gives them several advantages without sacrificing too much speed or agility.
- Defensive versatility: Players at this height can often defend both guards and smaller forwards.
- Better shooting angles: Taller guards may find it easier to shoot over smaller defenders.
- Physical strength: Additional size can help players absorb contact when driving toward the basket.
- Rebounding ability: Height and reach can provide an advantage over smaller backcourt players.
- Position flexibility: Many players can handle multiple roles depending on their team’s needs.
However, individual skills remain more important than height alone. Michael Jordan became a legend through scoring and defense, while Andre Iguodala used the same listed height to excel as a defender, passer, and all-around team player.
Do NBA Players’ Career Earnings Equal Their Net Worth?
NBA players can earn substantial money through contracts, endorsements, investments, and business activities. However, career earnings and net worth are not the same thing.
Net worth represents the value of a person’s assets after subtracting liabilities. Taxes, spending, investments, and financial obligations can significantly affect how much wealth a player actually holds.
For that reason, celebrity net worth estimates should not automatically be treated as verified financial facts. Public contract figures may be available, but a player’s private investments and debts are rarely fully disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the greatest 6’6″ NBA player of all time?
Michael Jordan is widely considered the greatest player listed at 6’6″. His six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and six Finals MVP awards make him one of basketball’s most accomplished players.
Was Michael Jordan officially listed at 6 feet 6 inches?
Yes. Michael Jordan’s official playing height is commonly listed as 6 feet 6 inches, or approximately 198 centimeters.
Is 6’6″ a good height for an NBA shooting guard?
Yes. A shooting guard at 6’6″ can have useful advantages in shooting, defending, and rebounding. However, quickness, skill, and decision-making are equally important.
Which 6’6″ NBA players have won championships?
Michael Jordan, Billy Cunningham, Andre Iguodala, Danny Green, Mark Aguirre, Dahntay Jones, and Brandon Rush are among the championship-winning players featured in this article.
Is Klay Thompson 6’6″?
Although some older articles describe him as 6’6″, widely used NBA and Basketball-Reference listings place Klay Thompson at 6 feet 5 inches.
Can a 6’6″ player compete as an NBA small forward?
Yes. Many players of this height have successfully played small forward. Their effectiveness depends on strength, defensive ability, wingspan, and the team’s playing system.
Final Thoughts
The history of 6’6″ NBA players includes legendary scorers, outstanding defenders, championship winners, and valuable role players. Michael Jordan stands out for his extraordinary achievements, while players such as Andre Iguodala, DeMar DeRozan, and Danny Green demonstrate different ways to succeed at a similar height.
Although basketball has continued to evolve, players around 6 feet 6 inches remain valuable because of their versatility. Ultimately, height provides opportunities, but skill, preparation, and consistency determine long-term success.
References: NBA Official Player Database and Basketball-Reference.
Over the past five years, Rick C. Nees has written hundreds of NBA players' biographies, some of which have already been published in famous newspapers. He previously worked as- Commentator, Basketball Analyst, Basketball Player, Newspaper Sports Editor, Radio sports presenter. Rick grew up watching basketball leagues. He was a state-level high school basketball player who followed all NBA events since he was a child.
