Johnson’s height was a double-edged sword for opponents. On one hand, it gave him significant advantages on the court; on the other, it redefined the expectations of what a point guard could do.
1. Unparalleled Court Vision
At 6'9", Magic had a bird's-eye view of the court, allowing him to see plays develop in ways shorter players couldn’t. This gave him the ability to execute no-look passes, pinpoint alley-oops, and cross-court assists that dazzled fans and bewildered defenders. His height allowed him to dominate as the primary playmaker, making the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense one of the most efficient in NBA history.
2. Versatility Across Positions
Magic’s height gave him the ability to play all five positions effectively. Most famously, he started at center during Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals as a rookie when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was injured. Despite playing out of position, Magic delivered 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, leading the Lakers to a championship win.