In recent years, the NBA has seen a trend of tall guards like Luka Doncic and LaMelo Ball, both standing at 6'7", and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 6'6".
However, not all successful guards fit this tall profile; players like Donovan Mitchell and his former Utah Jazz teammate Mike Conley have proven otherwise. Despite not being the tallest, they were still able to make a significant impact in the league and even beyond. 'Spida' touched on this topic in a 2019 interview.
"It gives kids a lot of hope...I had some friends who thought they wouldn't make it in sports because they're short. No — I'm 6'1", Mike [Conley] is 6-foot — there's guys that have made it. I don't want to get all inspirational, but it is what it is," Mitchell remarked, per FOX 13.
The NBA made measurement adjustments
Back then, the league remeasured players' heights and weights after NBA leadership, headed by Commissioner Adam Silver, updated the rules. Now, all athletes were measured in their socks, without sneakers.
As a result, when it was the Utah Jazz 's turn, some players suddenly lost a few inches. For instance, Royce O'Neale went from 6'6" to 6'4".
"He lied to us. I've been giving him hell about it all day, and I'm going to continue because I thought he was like 6'6", 6'7"...but he must have had something in his shoes," 'Spida' joked.
Mitchell, however, experienced the same change himself, dropping from 6'4" to 6'1". Still, he wasn't bothered, stating it was no "big deal."
"I mean, I always knew I was 6'1"," the then-Jazz guard remarked . "I just didn't want to admit it publicly."
Related: "I am more disappointed today than I was back when I was not selected" -Isiah Thomas on handshake snub as the reason he didn't make the Dream Team
Height doesn't define talent
Mitchell, whether he's 6'4" or 6'1", has definitely found a way to make up for what might seem like a disadvantage. For instance, his impressive leaping ability helps compensate for any height difference, a fact he humorously pointed out when his new height was revealed.
"I jump higher, so I'll take the two extra inches on my vert as opposed to the height," the 5-time All-Star said.
It's clear that at least when it comes to athleticism, Mitchell has been fortunate. For example, his 36.5-inch vertical leap at the combine was the highest in the 2017 NBA Draft class. Since then, the former 13th pick has consistently delivered jaw-dropping athletic plays, especially highlight-reel dunks.
Similarly, Conley, though not as athletically gifted, makes up for it with his high basketball IQ, excellent decision-making, and refined playmaking skills. At only 6 feet tall, he's one of the smaller guards in the league, yet 'Money Mike' has carved out a successful career since being drafted in 2007. Just recently, the 36-year-old made a significant impact for the T-Wolves during their impressive postseason run to the Western Conference Finals.
It's truly inspiring to see these exceptional players break the mold and indirectly serve as role models for those who aren't gifted with such towering height.
Related: "I would like to see him dominate more" - Shaq dishes on whether he believes Donovan Mitchell is a superstar
Most Popular
Comments / 0