When Paul George stepped onto the court for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, he looked every bit the prototypical modern wing. But if you’ve followed his career since those early Indiana Pacers days, you’ve probably noticed something. The dude looks huge. Depending on who you ask or which year of NBA 2K you’re playing, the height of Paul George is a moving target that has sparked a decade of debate among fans and scouts alike.
Honestly, the "official" numbers in the NBA are often about as reliable as a weather forecast in a hurricane. For years, George was listed at 6'9". Then the league decided to get strict. In 2019, the NBA mandated that teams provide "no-shoes" measurements verified by team physicians. Suddenly, the height of Paul George dropped to 6'8" on the official stat sheets.
The Growth Spurt Myth (or Reality?)
There’s a legendary story in NBA circles that George actually grew after he was drafted. Back in 2011, then-Pacers coach Frank Vogel told reporters that George had hit a late growth spurt, allegedly reaching 6'10". You’ve probably seen the side-by-side photos of him standing next to traditional power forwards. He doesn't just look tall; he looks long.
But here is the thing.
When George was measured at the 2010 NBA Draft Combine, he came in at 6'7.75" without shoes.
Add some Nikes, and you're at 6'9".
So, did he really grow?
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If you watch him glide across the perimeter, his size is his greatest weapon. He has the handle of a guard but the shoulder width and reach of a big man. That 6'8" or 6'9" frame (depending on your source) is paired with a massive 6'11" wingspan. It’s that specific combination—height plus length—that makes him one of the most versatile "two-way" players in history. He can contest a shot from a seven-footer one play and then navigate a screen to stay in front of a 6'2" point guard the next.
Why the Height of Paul George Matters for the 76ers
In Philly, George's height is a tactical necessity. Alongside Joel Embiid, the Sixers need wings who can switch. Basically, if George was actually 6'6", he’d be a great guard. At 6'8", he’s a matchup nightmare.
- Defensive Versatility: He uses his 8'11" standing reach to disrupt passing lanes.
- Shot Creation: Being taller than most perimeter defenders allows him to shoot over the top of the defense with that "smooth" high release.
- Rebounding: He’s averaged over 6 rebounds per game throughout his career, a direct result of being able to out-jump and out-reach smaller wings.
The reality of NBA heights is that they’re mostly used for "positional slots." For a long time, being 6'9" meant you had to play the power forward spot. George resisted that. He wanted to be a playmaker. By staying listed at 6'8" or 6'9", he fits into that "giant guard" archetype that defines the modern game.
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Measuring Up Against the Greats
When you compare him to other elite forwards, the physical profile holds up. Look at Jayson Tatum or Kevin Durant. Durant famously lied about his height for years, claiming to be 6'9" when he was clearly 7'0", just so he wouldn't be forced to play center. George hasn't quite done that, but he certainly carries his weight (about 220 lbs) in a way that makes him look leaner and quicker than your average 6'8" player.
It's sorta funny how obsessed we get with these numbers. At the end of the day, an inch here or there doesn't change the fact that he's a 9-time All-Star.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Scouts
If you are tracking the physical evolution of players like Paul George or looking to understand how height impacts NBA performance, keep these nuances in mind:
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- Check "In-Shoes" vs. "Barefoot" Stats: Always verify if a measurement is from the post-2019 "no-shoes" era. A 6'8" player today is the same size as a 6'9.5" player from 2015.
- Look at Standing Reach: Height is a vanity metric; standing reach is the functional metric. George’s 8'11" reach is what actually allows him to defend the rim.
- Monitor Late Growth: Many NBA players enter the league at 19 or 20 and can legitimately grow an inch or two by age 22.
- Evaluate Build: A player's "functional height" is also determined by their neck length and shoulder height. George has high shoulders, which makes his reach more effective than someone with a long neck but the same total height.
The height of Paul George remains one of those "eye test" vs. "stat sheet" debates. Whether he’s 6'8", 6'9", or secretly pushing 6'10", his impact on the hardwood is undeniable. For a guy who suffered one of the most gruesome leg injuries in sports history back in 2014, the fact that he still possesses that elite verticality and length is nothing short of a medical marvel.
For those looking to dive deeper into player profiles, focus on the wingspan-to-height ratio. In George's case, that +3 inch "ape index" is exactly why he remains a defensive menace even as he enters the veteran stage of his career.