The basketball world woke up to news of the NBA making an inquiry about the "precise" height and age of its players.
The New York Times reporter Marc Stein broke the development through a series of tweets, explaining that the league wants to address the issue of some players being "listed taller — and shorter — than they really are."
For the age certification, he cited the case of the Sacramento Kings' Buddy Hield, who was confirmed to be a year older last season, as one of the motivations for the new policy that is expected to be executed "within the first week of training camp."
NBA spokesman Mike Bass also told The Washington Post: "A consistent process has been created to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the data on team rosters."
In a sport where length and youth matter, it's quite astounding that such verification process took this long to be implemented. NBA fans have long turned a blind eye to these dubious measurements and birthdays, so it was understandable when they quickly poked fun at the suspected players upon learning about the matter.
Thon Maker (22 years old)
Remember when the Australian big man was ruled out by some teams in the first round of the 2016 draft after it was rumored that he was actually between 21 to 23 years old, and not his then-listed age of 19?
JJ Barea (6'0)
The post above is testament to the diminutive Puerto Rican's massive contributions to the Dallas Mavericks' 2011 championship over the LeBron-lead Heat, not to mention how savage Dirk Nowitzki is.
Isaiah Thomas (5'9")
Just two seasons ago, the pint-sized guard was schooling defenders double his height as an MVP candidate for the Boston Celtics. Here's hoping he returns to form this upcoming season with the Washington Wizards.
Serge Ibaka (30 years old)
In 2017, the Congo native released a statement in response to reports of him being older than his listed age of 27 back then. Ibaka went on to become a vital cog in the Toronto Raptors' first-ever NBA title.
Chris Paul (6'0)
Even when Paul is beside his Banana Boat brothers, it's hard to validate his true measurements. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard is said to be listed six flat with shoes, which makes him actually a little under that figure.
Tacko Fall (7'6")
The Senegalese beanpole has yet to step on an NBA court, but he's already met with great fanfare. Unlike Maker, though, the 23-year-old Fall isn't being doubted for his years, but rather his towering presence.
Vince Carter (42 years old)
Recently, hoops junkies celebrated the anniversary of Carter's "Dunk of Death" over 7'2" Frederic Weis in the 2000 Olympics. If anything, it's the Half-Man, Half-Amazing's vertical jump that historians might want to double check.
The entire Sixers roster
Joel Embiid is listed at 7'0, while Ben Simmons and Al Horford are both 6'10". So why does it feel like Embiid is at least 7'3", Simmons is giving up a couple of inches to JoJo, and Horford is 6'8"?
Kevin Durant (6'9")
Three years ago, Durant told The Wall Street Journal, "For me, when I'm talking to women, I'm 7 feet. In basketball circles, I'm 6-9. Really, that's the prototypical size for a small forward. Anything taller than that, and they'll start saying, 'Ah, he's a power forward.'"
U OK, KD?
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