I was looking at some photos from the recent slate of games, and I am starting to think that geometry is a lie. Everyone in the NBA has a listed height, but those numbers feel more like a suggestion or a wish sent into the universe.
The internet is currently very concerned with Trayce Jackson-Davis, who is standing near people he should not be taller than. If Evan Mobley is 6 foot 11, and Trayce is looking him right in the eye, or perhaps looking down at his forehead, then we have a situation on our hands.
The Scottie Barnes Constant
We usually use Scottie Barnes as our measuring stick for reality. Scottie is listed at 6 foot 8, or maybe 6 foot 9, depending on who is holding the clipboard that day.
In recent photos, Trayce Jackson-Davis is looking significantly taller than Scottie. If the math holds up, this means Trayce is at least 6 foot 11, or Scottie has started shrinking, which would be a very Raptors thing to happen.
There are reports circulating that Trayce is exactly 6 foot 10.267 with shoes on. I appreciate the three decimal places because it implies a level of scientific precision that simply does not exist in a world where we let people wear thick socks.
All Star Weekend and Other Uncertainties
While we debate the verticality of backup big men, people are asking about injury replacements for the Eastern Conference All Stars. Someone asked if Brandon Ingram has a chance to get in, which is a nice thought to have on a Tuesday.
I remember when Jorge Garbajosa played for us. He was not the tallest, but he felt like he was exactly where he needed to be until he wasn't. That is how the All Star voting feels (a series of things happening until someone gets replaced by a guy who was already on vacation).
Basketball is just a series of men standing next to each other while we try to guess how far they are from the ceiling. We are all just looking for the truth, even if the truth is 6 foot 10.267 with a good pair of sneakers.