Basketball is a game of giants, but even among the giants, things get a little weird with the numbers. If you look at a team program or check a quick stat sheet to see how tall is andre drummond, you’ll likely see the number 6'11" staring back at you. That's the official line. It’s what the NBA has listed for the Philadelphia 76ers center for years. But if you’ve ever seen him standing next to a true seven-footer like Joel Embiid, you might start scratching your head.
Honestly, the "official" height in the NBA has always been a bit like a suggestion rather than a rule. For decades, players were measured in their sneakers. You’ve probably done the same thing—throwing on a pair of thick-soled Nikes can easily add an inch or two to your frame. It makes you look more intimidating on paper. For a guy like Drummond, who made his living as one of the most dominant rebounders of the modern era, that extra inch helps sell the "force of nature" image.
The Truth Behind the 6'11" Listing
Back in 2018, Drummond actually came clean about the height games. During an All-Star weekend interview, he basically admitted that he’d been "lied to" his whole life about his stature. He told reporters that while everyone calls him 6'11", he’s probably closer to 6'9" or 6'10" in reality. That’s a pretty significant jump if you’re a scout, but on the court, it hasn't stopped him from vacuuming up every loose ball in sight.
The 2012 NBA Draft Combine gave us the most "pure" data we’ll ever get. When they stripped off the shoes and got the measuring tape out, Drummond clocked in at exactly 6'9.75".
Think about that for a second. In the world of elite athletics, a quarter-inch is the difference between being a "undersized" big and a near-seven-footer. Once you put on the standard NBA court shoes, he reaches that 6'11" mark easily. It’s why you see conflicting info on different sites. Some use the barefoot measurement; others use the "in-game" height.
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Why His Wingspan Matters More
If you're wondering how a guy who is "only" 6'10" manages to lead the league in rebounding four different times, the answer isn't in his height. It’s in his arms. Andre Drummond has a massive 7'6.25" wingspan.
That is absolutely ridiculous.
To put it in perspective, he has a reach that is nearly 9 inches longer than his actual barefoot height. This is the secret sauce. When he's jumping for a board, his head might be lower than a guy like Rudy Gobert, but his hands are reaching into the same airspace. It’s also why he’s a low-key menace in passing lanes. You don’t expect a guy that heavy to have hands that can poke away balls from guards, but that length covers up a lot of ground.
Weight and Physical Presence
Being tall is one thing, but being 279 pounds is another. Drummond isn't just a "tall guy"; he’s a wall. Most centers in the league today are getting leaner to keep up with the fast-pace "small ball" style. Drummond stayed heavy.
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- Official Weight: 279 lbs
- Body Fat at Draft: 7.5% (Incredible for his size)
- Standing Reach: 9'1.5"
He’s basically built like a defensive end who happened to grow six extra inches. This physical profile is why he’s been able to stick around for 14 seasons. He doesn't move like a traditional "lumbering" center. He’s got a 33.5-inch vertical leap, which is wild for someone nearing 280 pounds. If you’re a defender, you’re not just looking up at him; you’re trying to move a mountain that can also jump over you.
Height Comparisons: Drummond vs. The League
When you see him on the floor with the 76ers in 2026, the height difference is more obvious. Joel Embiid is a true 7'0" (and likely 7'2" in shoes). When they stand side-by-side, Drummond looks noticeably shorter. But compare him to someone like Bam Adebayo, who is often listed at 6'9", and Drummond looks like a titan.
It’s all about the frame. Drummond has broad shoulders that make his 6'11" (in shoes) listing feel "correct" even if the tape measure says otherwise. He occupies more space than almost anyone else in the paint.
The Evolution of the "Big Man" Height
We’re in a weird era for NBA heights. A few years ago, the league cracked down and forced teams to submit "real" heights without shoes. This is when a lot of guys "shrank." Kevin Durant suddenly became 6'10" after years of claiming 6'9". Conversely, some guys who wanted to be seen as more versatile actually admitted they were taller than listed.
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Drummond has always been comfortable in his skin, though. Whether he's 6'9.75" or 6'11", his career stats speak louder than the measurement. He’s a two-time All-Star and has been a rebounding champion more times than most Hall of Famers.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you’re scouting players or just arguing with friends at a sports bar, keep these "real" numbers in mind to sound like the smartest person in the room:
- Don't trust the program: Always assume an NBA player is 1.5 to 2 inches shorter than their listed height unless they were measured after the 2019 rule change.
- Look at the Standing Reach: If you want to know how effective a player is at defending the rim or rebounding, the standing reach (how high they can touch without jumping) is way more important than how tall their head is.
- Check the Wingspan: A "short" center with a long wingspan (like Drummond) will always out-rebound a "tall" center with short arms.
Drummond’s career is a masterclass in using functional size over "on-paper" size. He might not be a true seven-footer, but he plays like he's 7'4" when the ball is coming off the rim. That’s the only measurement that actually ends up on the scoreboard at the end of the night.