This calculation returns the average listed height, in inches, of NBA players. Across all 4,171 players in the dataset, whose careers run from 1946 to 2023, the average is 78.1 inches (6 ft 6 in). Add a position filter to get the figure for one position, for example ?position=Center.
By position, centers average 82.7 inches, forward-centers 82.1, center-forwards 82.4, forwards 79.2, forward-guards 78.7, guard-forwards 78.1 and guards 74.8 inches. That puts the typical center about eight inches taller than the typical guard.