Unpacking Kevin Durant's Height: How Tall Is He, Really?

Vidal Witting 22 Aug 2025

There's something about Kevin Durant's presence on the basketball court that just, you know, commands attention. It's not just his silky smooth shot or his incredible handles; it's also, very much, his sheer physical stature. People often find themselves wondering, quite naturally, about the true measure of this remarkable athlete. It's a question that pops up a lot, actually, so, how tall is Kevin Durant?

For someone who seems to glide across the hardwood, making impossible shots look, well, almost routine, his height is a pretty big part of the whole package. It allows him to shoot over defenders with such ease, giving him an advantage that many players can only dream of having. This particular physical attribute is, in some respects, a key ingredient to his unique play style, making him a truly difficult matchup for nearly anyone.

So, we're going to get right into it, really, and explore the specifics of Kevin Durant's height. We will look at what the official records say, what the eye test tells us, and why there's often a bit of a discussion around how tall he actually is. It’s a bit of a fascinating topic, actually, especially when you consider how much height matters in the game of basketball.

Kevin Durant: A Brief Biography
Personal Details and Bio Data
The Official Story: What the NBA Says
The Eye Test: Why He Looks Taller
The Debate: Listed vs. Actual Height
The Pre-Draft Measurements
Why Does Height Matter So Much for KD?
Comparing KD to Other NBA Giants
Beyond Just "Tall": What Makes KD Unique
Frequently Asked Questions About Kevin Durant's Height

Kevin Durant: A Brief Biography

Kevin Wayne Durant, often called "KD," was born on September 29, 1988, in Washington, D.C. He grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland, and showed an incredible talent for basketball from a very young age. His journey to becoming one of the best basketball players in the world is, you know, pretty inspiring. He played college basketball for one season at the University of Texas, where he quickly became a standout player, earning numerous awards for his amazing performances. He was, frankly, a phenomenon even then.

After his time in college, Durant was selected as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, which later became the Oklahoma City Thunder. Over the years, he has played for several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and currently, the Phoenix Suns. His career is marked by multiple scoring titles, NBA championships, and MVP awards, which, you know, really shows his impact on the game. He's, in a way, rewritten what a player of his size can do on the court, actually.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Detail	Information
Full Name	Kevin Wayne Durant
Nickname	KD, The Slim Reaper
Date of Birth	September 29, 1988
Place of Birth	Washington, D.C., U.S.
Nationality	American
College	University of Texas (2006–2007)
NBA Draft	2007 (Round 1, Pick 2)
Current Team	Phoenix Suns
Position	Small Forward / Power Forward
NBA Championships	2 (2017, 2018)
NBA Finals MVP	2 (2017, 2018)
NBA Most Valuable Player	1 (2014)
Olympic Gold Medals	3 (2012, 2016, 2020)

The Official Story: What the NBA Says

When you look up Kevin Durant's official height on many NBA rosters and stat sheets, you will often see him listed as 6 feet 10 inches. This figure has been, you know, the standard for much of his career. For most people, a man six feet tall is considered quite tall, but 6 feet 10 inches is certainly of more than average height, a stature that truly stands out in any crowd. It's a measurement that, you know, places him among the taller players in the league, even if it’s not always the absolute tallest.

However, the way height is measured in the NBA has, in fact, changed over time. For many years, players' heights were often listed with their shoes on, which, you know, adds an inch or two to their actual barefoot measurement. This practice led to some players appearing a bit taller on paper than they truly were without footwear. So, what you saw on the official roster might not have been the exact measure of their height as they stood without anything on their feet.

Recently, the league started requiring teams to provide accurate barefoot measurements for their players. This change has, in a way, cleared up some of the confusion and, you know, provided a more consistent standard. So, while 6 feet 10 inches was a common listing, it's worth considering when and how that measurement was taken, as it can, you know, really make a difference in the actual number.

The Eye Test: Why He Looks Taller

Many fans, and even other players, will tell you that Kevin Durant just looks taller than his listed 6 feet 10 inches. This perception is, you know, pretty common. He often seems to tower over opponents who are also listed at 6 feet 10 inches or even 7 feet. It's a visual thing, really, that makes people wonder if the official numbers are, you know, telling the whole story. You see him next to someone, and it just seems like he has a bit of an advantage in terms of vertical reach.

Part of this visual trick might be due to his incredibly long wingspan. A player's wingspan is the distance from the tip of one middle finger to the other when their arms are stretched out wide. Kevin Durant's wingspan is, actually, reportedly around 7 feet 5 inches. This kind of reach means he can grab rebounds, block shots, and release his jump shot from a much higher point, making him seem, in a way, even taller than his head height might suggest. It's like a tall tree, you know, with branches that reach out very far, making its overall presence seem even grander.

Also, his slender build might play a role. He's a player with a relatively great height but without a lot of bulk, which, you know, can make his frame appear more elongated. When you use tall to describe things which are higher than usual, but which are also much higher than they are wide, like a tall chimney, Durant's physique, in a way, fits that description perfectly. This combination of height, reach, and build creates a visual impression that he is, perhaps, even more towering than the numbers suggest.

The Debate: Listed vs. Actual Height

The discussion around Kevin Durant's actual height has been, you know, a running joke and a serious point of interest for years. It's a topic that comes up quite often among basketball enthusiasts. Some say he deliberately understates his height to appear more versatile, perhaps, or to avoid being pigeonholed as a traditional big man. Others believe it's simply a holdover from older measurement practices, which, you know, were not always as precise as they are now.

There are many stories and anecdotes from fellow players and coaches who have, actually, stated that Durant is closer to 7 feet tall, perhaps even slightly over. Draymond Green, for instance, a former teammate, has, you know, openly joked about Durant being much taller than his listed height. These kinds of comments, you know, just add fuel to the fire, making the debate even more lively. It really makes you wonder about the exact measure of his height, doesn't it?

The whole situation highlights how, you know, even in a professional sports league, there can be a bit of mystery surrounding basic player information. It's not uncommon for players to have, in some respects, a listed height that doesn't quite match up with what people perceive. This particular aspect of player information is, actually, a fascinating detail, showing that numbers don't always tell the full visual story.

The Pre-Draft Measurements

Before entering the NBA, most prospects go through a pre-draft combine where their physical attributes, including height, are, you know, meticulously measured. These measurements are typically taken barefoot, offering a more accurate baseline. For Kevin Durant, his pre-draft measurements from 2007 are, in fact, often referenced in this height discussion. They give us, you know, a pretty solid piece of information to consider.

At the 2007 NBA Draft Combine, Kevin Durant was measured at 6 feet 9 inches without shoes. With shoes on, he measured 6 feet 10.75 inches. This 6 feet 9 inches barefoot measurement is, actually, what many people point to when discussing his "true" height. It suggests that his official listed height of 6 feet 10 inches, for a long time, was likely his height with shoes on, or perhaps a slight rounding up. So, the measure of your height tells you exactly how tall you are, and for KD, that initial barefoot number is a significant detail.

However, it's also worth remembering that people can, you know, grow a little bit even after their draft year, especially if they are still quite young. While significant growth after age 19 or 20 is less common, it's not, you know, entirely out of the question for some individuals. So, while the combine numbers are a strong reference point, they might not represent his absolute maximum height later in his career, which, you know, just adds another layer to the discussion.

Why Does Height Matter So Much for KD?

Kevin Durant's height is, in fact, a crucial element of his game. It allows him to play multiple positions, from small forward to power forward, with incredible effectiveness. His ability to shoot over almost any defender is, you know, directly tied to his height and his long arms. He can get his shot off whenever he wants, which, you know, makes him an unstoppable scoring force. This particular advantage is something you don't see very often.

For a player of his size, having the ball-handling skills and shooting touch of a guard is, you know, pretty rare. This combination makes him a truly unique talent in the history of basketball. His height also helps him on the defensive end, allowing him to contest shots, grab rebounds, and, you know, generally disrupt passing lanes. It's a physical gift that, in some respects, elevates his entire game. He's a man of more than average stature, using every inch to his advantage.

The versatility that comes with his stature means coaches can use him in a variety of ways, creating mismatches against opponents. If you can easily slap the ceiling with the palm of your hand, you're tall, and KD's height, combined with his skill, means he can, in a way, touch the metaphorical ceiling of what's possible on the court. It's a very big reason why he has been so successful, and, you know, why his height is such a frequent topic of conversation.

Comparing KD to Other NBA Giants

To truly understand Kevin Durant's height, it helps to put it into context with other very tall players in the NBA. While he is certainly of more than average height, he isn't, you know, typically considered one of the absolute tallest centers in the league, who often stand 7 feet 2 inches or more. However, for a small forward or power forward, his height is, actually, quite exceptional. He’s a big presence for his usual positions.

When you see him standing next to players like LeBron James (listed at 6 feet 9 inches) or Kawhi Leonard (listed at 6 feet 7 inches), the difference in stature is, you know, pretty clear. He looks, in fact, noticeably taller than many of his peers who play similar positions. This visual comparison often reinforces the idea that he might be, you know, a bit taller than his official listings sometimes suggest. It really highlights his having a relatively great height compared to many others on the court.

Even when compared to players officially listed at 7 feet, Durant often appears to hold his own, or even look slightly taller in certain situations. This is where the combination of his barefoot height, his incredible wingspan, and his slender build really comes into play, creating that perception of an even greater height. So, while he might not be the absolute tallest player in the league, his specific height, coupled with his other physical traits, makes him, in a way, a giant among his position group. You can learn more about basketball player measurements on our site, and also find details about NBA player statistics on this page.

Beyond Just "Tall": What Makes KD Unique

It's not just the numerical measure of how tall Kevin Durant is that makes him special; it's also how his height, in some respects, integrates with his other skills. He has stature or height as specified, but he also possesses a fluidity and agility that players of his height often lack. You use tall to describe things which are higher than usual, but which are also much higher than they are wide, so, for example, you talk about a tall tree or a tall chimney. Durant, in a way, embodies this, standing very high, yet moving with incredible grace.

His ability to handle the ball, shoot from anywhere on the court, and create his own shot is, you know, pretty much unparalleled for someone of his physical dimensions. This blend of size and skill makes him a truly generational talent. He's not just a man who is six feet tall, or even 6 feet 10 inches; he's an athlete who has redefined what a "tall" player can do in the modern NBA. It's a fascinating study, really, of how physical attributes and refined skills combine to create greatness.

So, while the debate about his exact height might continue, what's undeniable is the profound impact his physical gifts have had on his career and the game of basketball. He is, in a way, the epitome of a player who is of more than average height, using every bit of his frame to dominate. His height, combined with his extraordinary talent, truly sets him apart, making him, you know, one of the most exciting players to watch in today's game. For more insights into how player height impacts performance, you can check out this article on Basketball-Reference.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kevin Durant's Height

Is Kevin Durant taller than his listed height?

Many people, including some of his former teammates, believe Kevin Durant is, actually, taller than his officially listed height of 6 feet 10 inches. His pre-draft measurement without shoes was 6 feet 9 inches, but it's often thought he may have grown a little since then, or that his listed height has, in some respects, been an underestimation. The visual evidence, you know, often suggests he is closer to 7 feet tall, especially when standing next to other players.

What is Kevin Durant's wingspan?

Kevin Durant possesses an incredibly long wingspan, which is, you know, a key part of his physical advantage. His wingspan is reportedly around 7 feet 5 inches. This exceptional reach allows him to shoot over defenders, grab rebounds, and play defense with a very wide range, making him, in a way, seem even taller than his standing height might suggest. It's a very big factor in his game.

How tall is Kevin Durant compared to other NBA players?

While Kevin Durant is not among the absolute tallest players in the NBA, like some 7-foot-2 centers, he is, actually, exceptionally tall for his primary positions of small forward and power forward. He is, you know, noticeably taller than many players in his position group, and often appears to be as tall as, or even slightly taller than, some players officially listed at 7 feet. His having a relatively great height really stands out in the league.

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Unpacking Kevin Durant's Height: How Tall Is He, Really?

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