The NBA has always been home to some of the tallest athletes in the world. These tall players have used their height to win the game through scoring, blocking shots, or defending the rim. Lets take a look at the tallest players in NBA history, their careers, achievements, and legacies.
Top 10 Tallest Players In NBA History
1. Gheorghe Mureșan
- Height: 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters)
- Weight: 303 pounds (137 kg)
- Age: 53 (Born February 14, 1971)
- Status: Alive
- Nationality: Romanian
- Teams: Washington Bullets (1993–1997), New Jersey Nets (1998–2000)
Gheorghe Mureșan is one of the tallest players in NBA history. He ist 7’7″ and his height was the result of a pituitary gland disorder. Despite his tall height, he has great agility and skill. He won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in the 1995-96 season with 14.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. After retiring, Mureșan remained active in basketball promotion and media appearances.
Reference: Wikipedia
2. Manute Bol
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
- Weight: 200 pounds (91 kg)
- Age: Deceased (October 16, 1962 – June 19, 2010)
- Nationality: Sudanese
- Teams: Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat
Manute Bol was known for his incredible shot-blocking ability. He led the NBA in blocks twice and had a career average of 3.3 blocks per game. Beyond basketball, he was deeply involved in humanitarian efforts for Sudan. His defensive presence and philanthropic contributions made him a legend both on and off the court.
Reference: Wikipedia
3. Yao Ming
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
- Weight: 310 pounds (141 kg)
- Age: 44 (Born September 12, 1980)
- Status: Alive
- Nationality: Chinese
- Team: Houston Rockets (2002–2011)
Yao Ming was a global icon who bridged the gap between Eastern and Western basketball cultures. He is an eight-time NBA All-Star with 19.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Yao played a important role in expanding the popularity of NBA in China and he continues to contribute to basketball development in his home country.
Reference: Wikipedia
4. Shawn Bradley
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
- Weight: 275 pounds (125 kg)
- Age: 52 (Born March 22, 1972)
- Status: Alive
- Nationality: German-American
- Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks
Shawn Bradley was known for his shot-blocking skillsby the NBA in blocks in the 1996-97 season. He averaged 2.5 blocks per game throughout his career. Unfortunately, in 2021, Bradley suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed, but he remains an inspiration to many.
Reference: Wikipedia
5. Tacko Fall
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
- Weight: 289 pounds (131 kg)
- Age: 29 (Born December 10, 1995)
- Status: Alive
- Nationality: Senegalese
- Teams: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers
Tacko Fall quickly became a fan favorite due to his tall height and humble demeanor. While his playing time in the NBA was limited, his potential and skills made him a standout player. His journey from Senegal to the NBA is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Reference: Wikipedia
6. Slavko Vraneš
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters)
- Weight: 300 pounds (136 kg)
- Age: 40 (Born January 30, 1983)
- Status: Alive
- Nationality: Montenegrin
- Teams: Portland Trail Blazers (2004)
Slavko Vraneš had a brief NBA career by appearing in just one game for the Portland Trail Blazers. However, he had a successful career in Europeby playing for various professional teams. His size and defensive skills made him a valuable player internationally.
Reference: Wikipedia
7. Pavel Podkolzin
- Height: 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 meters)
- Weight: 260 pounds (118 kg)
- Age: 39 (Born January 15, 1985)
- Status: Alive
- Nationality: Russian
- Teams: Dallas Mavericks (2004-2006)
Pavel Podkolzin played only six games in the NBA, but he had a solid professional career in Russia. Despite his limited NBA experience, his height made him one of the tallest players to ever step on an NBA court.
Reference: Wikipedia
Why is Height Important in the NBA?
Height is a key factor in basketball because it provides numerous advantages on the court. Taller players have an easier time scoring near the basket, rebounding, and blocking shots. They can also cover more ground defensively that maks it harder for opponents to get clean shots. However, height alone does not guarantee success—skill, agility, and endurance are equally important. The tallest NBA players have often had to work hard on their mobility and conditioning to compete at the highest level.
How These Players Look Standing Next To Each Other
Here is the metrical height comparison chart of these tallest NBA players.
Here is the side by side visual height comparison of 3 tallest NBA players.
Verdict
The tallest NBA players of all time have left a significant impact on the game through dominant defense, scoring ability, or global influence. These giants have shaped the history of basketball. Their presence on the court and contributions off it have made them unforgettable figures in the sport.
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