When an average person stands next to a basketball player, they often feel like a dwarf. The average NBA player is six feet seven inches tall, but when those 6’7″ guys stand next to the tallest players in NBA history, they also feel quite small. This article dives into the top ten tallest players ever to grace the NBA courts, exploring their careers and impact on the game.
The Tallest Players in NBA History
Boban Marjanovic – 7 feet 4 inches
Boban Marjanovic is one of the most popular role players in the NBA today. Despite looking like a bouncer in front of a Russian mob club, Boban became a fan favorite because he’s the biggest kid on the court. Known for his smiling and cracking jokes on the bench, Boban spends most of his time there, averaging less than ten minutes per game.
Boban was regarded as one of the best centers in Europe before joining the NBA, with multiple regional MVPs and All-EuroLeague First Team selections. However, the NBA’s pace and space era forces him to run after smaller players, not playing into his strengths. If he played 20 or 30 years ago, he would probably be one of the best centers in the league today.
Sim Bhullar – 7 feet 5 inches
Sim Bhullar is a Canadian professional basketball player and the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA. Standing at 7’5″ and weighing 360 pounds, Bhullar went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft but was picked up by the Sacramento Kings for their summer league team, largely for marketing reasons. Bhullar played three total NBA games, tallying just three minutes on the court.
Pavel Podkolzin – 7 feet 5 inches
Similarly to Sim Bhullar, Pavel Podkolzin had a short NBA stint. Drafted by the Utah Jazz and later traded to the Dallas Mavericks, Podkolzin played six games for Dallas, scoring four points in total. He continues to play professionally in Russia.
Chuck Nevitt – 7 feet 5 inches
Unlike Bhullar and Podkolzin, Chuck Nevitt had a significantly longer NBA career, spanning nine seasons. Despite this, he played in only 155 games, averaging five minutes per game. Nevitt won the title with the Lakers in 1985, making him the tallest player ever with a championship ring.
Record-Breaking Tall NBA Players
Shawn Bradley – 7 feet 6 inches
Standing at 7’6″, Shawn Bradley was the third tallest player in NBA history and a household name. Known for his shot-blocking skills, Bradley once blocked 14 shots in an NCAA game, a record that still stands. He played for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 8.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game over his career. Bradley also appeared in the movie “Space Jam” alongside Michael Jordan.
Yao Ming – 7 feet 6 inches
Yao Ming is arguably the best player on this list and one of the biggest ambassadors of basketball. Selected first overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, Yao quickly became a global phenomenon due to his height and skill. He averaged 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016. Despite his success, persistent injuries forced Yao to retire early at the age of 30.
More Towering Figures in NBA
Slavko Vranes – 7 feet 6 inches
Slavko Vranes, a Montenegrin basketball player, had a long-lasting career that spanned over 20 years. Drafted by the New York Knicks in 2003, he never played a single minute for them but did play one game for the Portland Trail Blazers. Vranes continues to be a notable figure in basketball history due to his height.
Tacko Fall – 7 feet 6 inches
Tacko Fall, who joined the NBA in 2019, is another member of the 7’6″ club. Born in Dakar, Senegal, Fall moved to the USA at 16 and played college basketball at the University of Central Florida, where he became one of the best defensive players. Fall signed with the Boston Celtics and quickly became a fan favorite.
Manute Bol – 7 feet 7 inches
Manute Bol, born in South Sudan, was the tallest player ever when he joined the NBA. Standing at 7’7″ and weighing only 220 pounds, Bol was known for his shot-blocking ability, averaging 3.3 blocks per game, the highest ever. Despite his lack of offensive production, Bol was a beloved figure both on and off the court.
Peeking Over the Competition
Gheorghe Muresan – 7 feet 7 inches
Gheorghe Muresan, born in Romania, shares the title of the tallest NBA player with Manute Bol. Despite his height, Muresan was a solid contributor, averaging 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in his best season. He won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 1996 and even starred alongside Billy Crystal in the movie “My Giant.”
Key Takeaways of the Tallest NBA Players
Diverse Paths to the NBA
The tallest players in NBA history have diverse backgrounds, coming from various countries and starting their careers in different leagues. This diversity showcases the global appeal of basketball and the unique paths players take to reach the NBA.
Impact on the Court
These players have had varying degrees of success on the court. While some, like Yao Ming, have become global superstars, others have had shorter, less impactful careers. However, their height has always made them memorable figures in the NBA.
Challenges Faced
One common challenge among the tallest players is staying healthy. Their large frames often lead to injuries, particularly in the feet, knees, and back. This has shortened the careers of many tall players, including Yao Ming and Gheorghe Muresan.
Legacy and Influence
Despite the challenges, the tallest players have left a lasting legacy in the NBA. They have contributed to the game’s history and have often become fan favorites due to their unique physical presence and the challenges they overcame.
In conclusion, the tallest players in NBA history have made a significant impact on the game, both on and off the court. Their unique stories, challenges, and achievements highlight the diversity and global appeal of basketball. From Yao Ming’s global stardom to Manute Bol’s humanitarian efforts, these towering figures have left an indelible mark on the sport.