Magic Johnson Wingspan: A Game-Changing Advantage!

Magic Johnson was one of the greatest basketball players ever. His nickname “Magic” suited him because he seemed to do magical things on the court.

One big reason he was so good was his incredibly long arms and hands, known as his wingspan.

Magic Johnson Wingspan

At 7′ 4″ (224 cm), Magic Johnson’s wingspan was incredibly long, even for professional basketball. The average NBA player’s wingspan is around 7 feet (213 cm). So Magic’s extra 4 inches gave him a huge advantage.

Those few extra inches allowed him to make plays that other players could only dream of. He could snatch rebounds right over opponents’ heads. He could grab steals from way outside his defensive zone. And he could throw crazy no-look passes around defenders that no one else would dare try.

With long wingspan, coupled with his height (6′ 9″), Magic could effectively play any position – point guard, shooting guard, or even power forward.

On offense, his expanded wingspan allowed him to see passing angles that didn’t exist for shorter-armed players. On defense, he was an absolute menace, using his long arms like tentacles to disrupt passing lanes and swat away shots.

Of course Magic’s success wasn’t just because of his body. He worked tirelessly to perfect his skills and basketball IQ.

But his natural wingspan combined with his work ethic allowed him to play the game in a way that seemed magical. He knew exactly how to leverage those extra inches to make game-changing plays time and time again.

Comparison with Other NBA Players Wingspan

Magic’s crazy long arms weren’t just unusual for everyday people. They gave him a big advantage even compared to other NBA stars.

The average NBA player’s wingspan is 3-5 inches more than their height. Rare players like Kawhi Leonard and Talen Horton-Tucker have up to 9 extra inches!

But at 7’4″, Magic’s wingspan was a full 7 inches more than his 6’9″ height. That’s huge even by NBA standards.

When you look at other NBA legends from Magic’s era, his wingspan really stands out:

• Larry Bird was 6’9″ with a 7′ wingspan – just 3 extra inches.
• Michael Jordan was 6’6″ with a 6’11” wingspan – 5 extra inches.
• Kareem Abdul Jabbar was 7’2″ with a 7’5″ wingspan – just 3 extra inches.

So Magic’s 7’4″ wingspan wasn’t just a body stat. It allowed him to completely dominate the game among the best NBA players ever.

What is Wingspan in Basketball?

Wingspan is the length between the tip of one hand to the other when you stretch your arms out wide. It’s a key measurement in basketball that goes way beyond just a number. A player’s wingspan can seriously affect their game.

Here’s why wingspan matters so much in basketball:

• Ball handling – Long arms help control the ball better so it’s harder for defenders to steal it.
• Shooting – More wingspan lets players shoot over defenders and reach higher on jump shots.
• Defense – A big wingspan helps block shots, grab rebounds, and disrupt passes that are out of reach for smaller players.

Let’s compare two NBA players with very different wingspans:

• Kevin Durant’s 7’5″ wingspan helps make him unstoppable. He can shoot over anyone, play great defense, and handle the ball like a guard.
• J.J. Redick’s 6’3″ wingspan limits him. He struggles on defense and can’t attack the rim like Durant.

So wingspan isn’t just a body measurement. It directly impacts how well players can shoot, defend, and control the ball. The extra reach can be the difference between slam dunks and blocks, steals and turnovers.

That’s why wingspan is so key in basketball. It turns a physical trait into real competitive edge on the court.

So next time you watch a game, take note of the players’ wingspans. Those extra inches make a big difference!

Was Magic really 6’9″?

The answer is no, he was not actually that tall.

In his book, Magic admitted he was shorter – just 6’7.5″. Looking at photos of Magic and 6’9″ Larry Bird shows Bird was 1-2 inches taller.

Compared to other NBA stars like 6’5″ Michael Jordan, Magic did not look 4 inches taller either. The photos make it clear he was more like 6’7.5″, not the 6’9″ the NBA said.

Magic’s exact height doesn’t really matter. At 6’7.5″ or 6’9″, he was one of the greatest ever. His legend is about his skills, leadership, and love of the game—not an inch here or there.

Magic stood tall in basketball history because of the passion and excellence he brought to the game. He played huge and towered over the competition through his talent and spirit. His legacy remains huge no matter what the number.

What Made Magic so Good?

For one – dude was straight up brilliant at making his teammates better. Magic knew exactly how to get each guy the ball in the perfect way for them to score. If a teammate liked catching passes on the run, Magic hit him in stride every time. He brought out the best of the guys around him.

Magic was also the maestro of the legendary fast-break “Showtime” offense. He’d grab a rebound and instantly ignite the break with his insane court vision. Magic was dropping no-look dimes and sick handles that electrified fans.

And that court vision! Magic saw the floor in a way no one else could. He visualized the game three steps ahead, letting him make passes that seemed impossible. Magic created offense out of thin air.

Beyond his skills, Magic just had an infectious joy of the game. He loved making audacious plays, pumping up teammates and crowds. Magic played with flair but also some real smarts.

His legacy is bigger than stats. Magic changed how the game was played. He showed how basketball is magical when you combine teamwork, creativity, and a love for the game. That’s what made Magic one of the all-time greats.

Before you go

Check out these articles below, they’ve got some cool stuff you might like:

• Magic Johnson Rings: A Testament to Lakers Glory
• Larry Bird Wingspan: The 7’0″ Advantage of an NBA Icon
• Kobe Bryant Wingspan: The Mamba’s 6’11” Weapon

Related Posts