Height of Klay Thompson: What Most People Get Wrong

So, let's talk about the height of Klay Thompson. If you’ve ever watched a Dallas Mavericks game recently—or followed his legendary run with the Golden State Warriors—you’ve probably noticed something. Klay doesn't look like your typical "small" guard. He’s got this rangy, broad-shouldered frame that makes him look like he could easily be a tight end in the NFL.

But here’s the thing. Basketball heights are notorious for being, well, creative. For years, the NBA was like a giant game of "add two inches to your Tinder profile." Players would get measured in their thickest Nikes, and suddenly a guy who was clearly 6'4" was being announced as 6'6" to the home crowd.

The Truth Behind the Tape

Back in 2019, the NBA finally decided to stop the madness. They mandated that teams provide official "barefoot" measurements. This was a dark day for guys who liked to fluff their stats, but for Klay, it just confirmed what most scouts already knew.

Klay Thompson is officially listed at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters).

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Honestly, that number is surprisingly honest. When he first entered the league out of Washington State in 2011, he was often called a "big guard" because he measured just under 6'6" in shoes at the NBA Combine. Specifically, his barefoot measurement was 6'5.75". That’s actually taller than many other shooting guards who claim to be 6'6".

Think about it. Most "6'6" players in the league are actually 6'4" and change without their sneakers. Klay is one of the few who actually lives up to the billing.

Why Those Inches Actually Matter

You might think an inch or two is just a vanity project. It isn't. In the NBA, height is about "functional length."

Klay’s 6'5" frame is paired with a 6'9" wingspan. That is the "secret sauce" that made him an All-Defensive caliber player for so many years. It’s the reason he could switch onto LeBron James or Kevin Durant during those legendary Finals matchups and not get completely bullied. He has a high release point on his jumper, which basically makes his shot unblockable if he gets even a sliver of space.

If he were 6'2", he’d be a great shooter. At a legit 6'5", he’s a defensive nightmare who can shoot over the top of almost any perimeter defender.

Does Age Shrink a Legend?

Klay is 35 now. He’s dealt with the "big ones"—the ACL tear and the Achilles rupture. People often ask if these injuries or just general aging change a player's height.

Technically, no. Your skeleton doesn't just shorten because you tore a ligament. However, "playing height" is a different story.

When you lose a bit of that explosive verticality or your posture changes slightly due to lower-body fatigue, you might feel shorter on the court. In 2026, playing for the Mavs, Klay is leaning more on his veteran smarts than raw athleticism. He’s not out-jumping 22-year-olds anymore. But that 6'5" frame is still there, allowing him to navigate screens and find windows that smaller guards just can't see.

Misconceptions and Comparisons

You’ll often see fans argue on Reddit about whether he’s actually the same height as Steph Curry.

• Steph Curry: Officially 6'2" (often looks smaller next to Klay).
• Klay Thompson: Officially 6'5" (legitimately towers over most point guards).
• The Eye Test: If you see them standing side-by-side, the three-inch difference is glaringly obvious.

It's funny because, in the "old" NBA, Klay probably would have been listed at 6'7" just to make the Splash Brothers duo sound more intimidating. But the reality of his 6'5" stature is plenty enough to maintain his status as one of the greatest "big" shooting guards to ever play the game.

What You Can Do With This Info

If you're a scout, a coach, or just a fan trying to understand why Klay is still effective in 2026 despite his injury history, look at the measurements. Height gives you a margin for error. As his speed has naturally declined with age, his size allows him to play the "3" (Small Forward) position more frequently, especially in smaller lineups in Dallas.

Pay attention to his "high-point" release the next time he catches a pass on the wing. You’ll see that the height of Klay Thompson isn't just a number on a roster—it's a tool he uses to keep his career alive well into his mid-30s. Check out his current stats and see how many of his shots are contested; you'll find that even with a hand in his face, that 6'5" frame ensures he’s getting a clean look almost every time.