When you see Domantas Sabonis carving up a defense for the Sacramento Kings today, it’s hard not to think about the giant who came before him. We’re talking about basketball royalty. But if you ask a group of fans at a bar how tall is Sabonis, you’re going to get three different answers.
Why the confusion? Well, there are two of them. And in the NBA, "official" heights have always been a bit like a suggestion rather than a rule.
The Towering Legend: Arvydas Sabonis
To understand the son, you have to look at the father. Arvydas Sabonis wasn’t just a basketball player; he was a mountain that could pass like a point guard. In his prime with the Portland Trail Blazers, Arvydas Sabonis was listed at 7 feet 3 inches.
Honestly, he looked even bigger.
He was a literal wall of a human being. In 1986, when he was first drafted, the world had never seen a 7'3" guy with those kind of "soft hands" and court vision. By the time he actually made it to the NBA in 1995, his knees were basically held together by tape and hope, but he was still a massive 292-pound presence.
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The man was a giant among giants. Even against 7-footers like Shaquille O'Neal or David Robinson, Arvydas didn't look like he was looking up at anyone. He was the prototype for the modern "unicorn" center, just twenty years too early and with a body that had already endured a decade of international warfare on the court.
Domantas Sabonis: The "Smaller" Giant
Then there’s the son. Domantas. He’s the one currently terrorizing the Western Conference with triple-doubles. If you look at his NBA profile today, you’ll see Domantas Sabonis is listed at 6 feet 10 inches.
Wait, what?
For a long time, people thought he was a legit 7-footer. Some older scouting reports even had him at 6'11" or 7'1". But here’s the thing: the NBA cracked down on "vanity heights" a few years ago. They started requiring teams to measure players without shoes. No more 2-inch boosts from Nike foam.
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Basically, Domantas is a "true" 6'10".
He doesn’t have the sheer verticality of his father, but he’s built like a tank. He weighs about 240 pounds, which he uses to bully people in the paint. Interestingly, his wingspan is only around 6'11"—which is actually quite short for an NBA center. Usually, these guys have arms that are 4 or 5 inches longer than their height.
Why the Height Difference Matters
It’s kinda wild to think about. Domantas is 5 inches shorter than his dad. In any other family, 6'10" is the ceiling. In the Sabonis household, it makes you the "little" brother (figuratively speaking).
But that height difference changed their games:
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- Arvydas used his 7'3" frame to shoot over everyone. His release point was so high it was basically unblockable.
- Domantas plays lower to the ground. He’s more of a "bruiser." Since he’s not 7'3", he has to rely on footwork, elite positioning, and that legendary Sabonis IQ to get his shots off against taller rim protectors.
The Measuring Tape Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
If you’re wondering how tall is Sabonis because you’re trying to settle a bet, just remember which one you’re talking about. Arvydas (the dad) is 7'3". Domantas (the son) is 6'10".
If you put them side-by-side today, the height gap is noticeable. But if you watch them play, the DNA is unmistakable. Both have that weird, sixth-sense ability to find a teammate with a back-door pass that shouldn't even be possible.
The NBA’s 2026 season has shown us that height is becoming less of a fixed position and more of a tool. Whether you're 7'3" or 6'10", if you can pass and rebound like a Sabonis, you're going to dominate.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the Kings or tracking NBA stats, keep these details in mind for your next jersey purchase or fantasy draft:
- Trust the "Without Shoes" Metric: The current 6'10" listing for Domantas is the most accurate physical measurement we've ever had for him.
- Wingspan over Height: Notice how Domantas struggles against length (like Wembanyama). His 6'11" wingspan is his biggest physical limitation, not his height.
- Historical Context: When comparing Arvydas to modern centers, remember that he was doing "Point Center" things at 7'3" before it was cool.
Next time you see Domantas grab 20 rebounds in a game, don't just look at his height. Look at his positioning. He proves that being the "short" Sabonis at 6'10" is still plenty tall enough to be an All-Star.