What Size Bed do Basketball and NBA Players Use?
We all know that, generally, basketball and NBA players are typically taller than the average individual. With the average male standing in at just 5’6” and the average female standing in at 5’4”, basketball and NBA players typically tower over the average person, standing in at an average of 6’6”.
And due to their larger sizes and frames, basketball players will need a properly sized bed to accommodate their height. That is why, below, we are going to discuss what size bed do basketball and NBA players use and whether or not NBA players have customized beds made for their larger frames.
Average NBA Players Height
While an average NBA player stands in at 6’6”, there are quite a few variances in height depending on position played. That is, an NBA center typically towers over their point guard counterpart, allowing them better access and ability near the rim to defend against incoming drives and to allow for easy baskets.
Similarly, an NBA point guard is typically a bit shorter, allowing them to be quick and nimble with the basketball and as they attempt to zigzag through the defense of the opposing team. Below is a list of each basketball position and the average height of the players who play that position.
- Centers – 7’0”
- Power Forward – 6’7”-6’10”
- Small Forward – 6’5”-6’9”
- Shooting Guard – 6’2”-6’6”
- Point Guard – 6’1”-6’4”
Differences in Bed Sizes
Before discussing which bed and what bed size basketball and NBA players use, it’s important to understand the differences in bed sizes that are currently available on the market. By understanding the different bed sizes available on the market, we are better able to understand just why basketball and NBA players opt for one size over another.
A twin size bed is one of the smallest standard mattress size. It’s ideal for children because it accommodates their growing bodies and fits nicely into kids’ bedrooms.
It’s also suitable for adults who live in studio apartments or smaller rooms and don’t have enough space for bigger mattresses. However, twin size beds are typically not ideal for grown adults due to the lack of space and size.
A twin XL size bed is the same width as a standard twin size mattress (38 inches) but 5 inches of extra length, coming in at 80 inches long. It provides enough legroom for anyone up to 6 feet 7 inches tall.
This is the ideal choice for teens or young adults destined to be in the NBA, so they won’t have to worry about their feet hanging off the bed.
The twin XL also makes a usable option for single adults or taller individuals who need to conserve floor space.
It’s often found in college dorm rooms, camps, and other places where there’s not enough room for full or queen beds.
A full mattress, also known as a double bed, offers slightly more room than a twin but still fits well into smaller bedrooms. That means it’s great for growing kids or small- apartment dwellers who sleep solo. However, it is typically not large enough for basketball and NBA players.
Queen beds are some of the most popular beds for couples. Offering significant more space than a full-sized bed, queen beds are suitable for one or two individuals.
King beds are the largest beds readily available on the market. Although only 16″ of additional width, the added space is quite noticeable and makes for a great choice for smaller basketball and NBA players.
For tall couples, a California king mattress is definitely the right choice. Unlike a regular king mattress (76 x 80 inches), a California king measures 72 x 84 inches. Most taller basketball and NBA players will opt for California king mattresses.
Olympic queen beds offer six additional inches in width as compared to regular queen size beds. However, these beds are typically not chosen by basketball or NBA players who are looking for additional length.
Offering more width than the California king, the Wyoming king is perfect for individuals looking for more room while sleeping, particularly when more than one person is sleeping on the bed.
With even more room than the Wyoming king, the Texas king provides substantially more room and is a great option for anyone looking to have a massively sized bed.
The largest bed currently available on the market, the Alaskan king offers individuals more than enough room in both width and length. For really tall basketball and NBA players, the Alaskan king is the perfect choice.
Best Bed Size for Basketball and NBA Players
While the Alaskan king may seem the obvious choice for taller basketball and NBA players, it is actually not the bed of choice for most players. Rather, most NBA players will opt for a California king sized bed.
California king sized beds offer sufficient width, at 72″, which can easily and comfortably accommodate two individuals. However, with a length of 84″, or 7-feet, most basketball and NBA players can lay comfortably on the bed without having their feet hang over.
However, if a basketball or NBA player needs additional space while they sleep, they typically opt for an Alaskan king sized bed. With 36 additional inches of width, basketball and NBA players will also gain an additional 24-inches, or two-feet, of length, which is more than sufficient for their needs.
What Size Beds do NBA Players Use on the Road?
While the above considerations are meant for an NBA player at their home, while they play away games, they will typically opt for the largest sized beds available. However, oftentimes, the largest sized beds will be reserved for hotel room suites and due to costs associated with housing all players, team’s will not provide that option for their players.
Rather, most NBA players will opt for a hotel room with a king sized bed. At 80-inches, or 6-feet, 6-inches, a king sized bed will typically accommodate most NBA players. However, for taller players, exceptions may be made to provide them with larger sized beds.
Many hotels, particularly more luxury ones, will typically have additional, and larger, sized beds for guests who may need one. If needed, an NBA player or the team’s representative will call the hotel and request the accommodation be made.
In addition, many NBA teams will only stay at specific hotels which can accommodate and offer larger sized beds, ensuring their players are able to fit comfortably on the bed and are able to get a full-nights rest.
Do Mattress Manufacturers Make Custom Sized Beds for NBA Players?
While it is not often that a mattress manufacturer will make a custom sized bed, there is one well-known case where a mattress manufacturer developed a custom sized bed for an NBA player.
In this case, Shaquille O’Neal requested on Instagram for Tempur-Pedic to make him a custom sized bed. So called the “Shaaq-sized” bed, the team at Tempur-Pedic created a custom sized bed for the larger-than-life player and were happy to deliver the bed to him.