Tallest NBA Player - Top 10 Ranked with Height
by Maivizhi A
Updated May 18, 2023
Tallest NBA Player
The NBA has seen its fair share of towering athletes who dominate the basketball court with their exceptional height. These giants of the game have captured the imagination of fans worldwide with their remarkable physical presence and ability to impact the game in unique ways.
Throughout the league's history, there have been numerous players who have stood head and shoulders above their peers, quite literally. These towering figures have not only mesmerized audiences with their height but also showcased their extraordinary skills and versatility on the court.
From centers who rule the paint with their shot-blocking prowess to agile forwards who effortlessly glide through defenders, the tallest NBA players bring a captivating dynamic to the game. Their imposing stature allows them to alter shots, grab rebounds with ease, and provide an intimidating presence on both ends of the court.
As fans, we marvel at the sight of these basketball behemoths, marveling at their ability to navigate the court with finesse despite their incredible height. They have become icons of the sport, leaving a lasting impact on the game's history and etching their names into the record books.
In this exploration of the tallest NBA players, we will delve into the awe-inspiring careers and legacies of these towering athletes who have left an indelible mark on the sport we love.
Top 10 Tallest NBA Players in NBA History
Here is the list of top NBA Players who are tallest with their heights and nationality.
1
Gheorghe Mureșan
7 ft 7 in (2.31 m)
Romania
United States
2
Manute Bol
7 ft 7 in
(2.31 m)
Sudan
3
Tacko Fall
7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Senegal
4
Slavko Vraneš
7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Montenegro
5
Shawn Bradley
7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
United States
Germany
6
Yao Ming
7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
China
7
Chuck Nevitt
7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
United States
8
Pavel Podkolzin
7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Russia
9
Sim Bhullar
7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Canada
10
Mark Eaton
7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
United States
S.No
Player
Height
Nationality
Check here to know each player in detail.
1. Gheorghe Mureșan - 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m)
Gheorghe Mureșan, born on February 14, 1971, is a retired professional basketball player from Romania. Standing at an impressive height of 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters), he is widely recognized as one of the tallest players in NBA history. Mureșan primarily played as a center and spent the majority of his NBA career with the Washington Bullets/Wizards. He was selected by the Bullets in the 1993 NBA Draft and played for them until 2000.
Mureșan's towering presence on the court made him a formidable force, utilizing his height advantage to dominate in the paint. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, he showcased his skills by averaging 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.26 blocks per game during his exceptional 1995-1996 season. This outstanding performance earned him the NBA's Most Improved Player award.
2. Manute Bol - 7 ft 7 in(2.31 m)
Manute Bol, born on October 16, 1962, was a Sudanese-born professional basketball player known for his extraordinary height of 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters). Bol played as a center in the NBA and gained recognition for his shot-blocking prowess. With an incredible wingspan of 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters), he had a remarkable ability to reject opponents' shots.
Bol had a notable NBA career, playing for various teams including the Washington Bullets/Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. He set records for blocks per game in multiple seasons, showcasing his defensive impact on the court. Additionally, despite his towering frame, Bol demonstrated surprising three-point shooting skills.
Off the court, Bol was actively involved in humanitarian work, particularly focusing on supporting causes in his home country of Sudan. Unfortunately, he passed away on June 19, 2010, at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most exceptional and charitable players in NBA history.
3. Tacko Fall- 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Tacko Fall, a professional basketball player, stands at an impressive height of 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters). Born on December 10, 1995, in Dakar, Senegal, Fall joined the NBA in 2019. He played college basketball for the University of Central Florida before declaring for the NBA Draft.
Fall's towering height and long wingspan make him a dominant force on the court, especially as a shot-blocker. His extraordinary reach allows him to alter opponents' shots and defend the rim effectively. Tacko Fall played for the Boston Celtics, signing a two-way contract with the team and their G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. Although he has primarily appeared in limited minutes, his size and potential have garnered him a significant fan following.
4. Slavko Vraneš - 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Slavko Vraneš, hailing from Nikšić, Montenegro, is another NBA player who measures 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters) tall. Born on January 30, 1983, Vraneš joined the league in 2003. He has played for various international teams and clubs throughout his career, including the New York Knicks in the NBA.
Vraneš possesses excellent size and strength, which he utilizes to his advantage in the paint. His towering presence intimidates opponents and enables him to contribute as a shot-blocker and rebounder. Although Vraneš hasn't garnered as much attention in the NBA as some other players, his height undoubtedly makes an impact on the game.
5. Shawn Bradley- 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Shawn Bradley, born on March 22, 1972, in Landstuhl, West Germany, played as a center in the NBA from 1993 to 2005. He was selected as the second overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Bradley's towering presence on the court earned him a reputation as an intimidating shot-blocker.
Throughout his career, he played for the 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks. Despite facing challenges, such as injuries and inconsistent performances, Bradley contributed to his teams' defensive strategies with his remarkable shot-blocking abilities.
6. Yao Ming - 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Yao Ming, born on September 12, 1980, hails from China and is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. Yao was selected as the first overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He spent his entire career with the Rockets, showcasing his exceptional skills as a dominant force in the paint.
Yao possessed incredible footwork, shooting touch, and a strong basketball IQ. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
7. Chuck Nevitt - 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Chuck Nevitt, standing at an impressive height of 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 meters), is one of the tallest players in NBA history. Born on June 13, 1959, in Cortez, Colorado, Nevitt had a career spanning from 1982 to 1994. Although he didn't achieve great success during his NBA tenure, he provided a towering presence on the court. Nevitt played as a center for various teams, including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Detroit Pistons.
His height alone made him a formidable defensive force, altering opponents' shots and contributing to shot-blocking statistics. Throughout his career, Nevitt averaged 1.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks per game. Despite limited playing time, his size and wingspan made him a valuable asset in specific situations, especially against opposing big men. Following his retirement, Chuck Nevitt has remained involved in basketball through coaching and player development, utilizing his unique perspective and experience.
8. Pavel Podkolzin - 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Pavel Podkolzin, born on January 15, 1985, in Moscow, Russia, is a former professional basketball player who stands an imposing 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 meters) tall. Podkolzin made history as the first Russian player to be drafted directly from a Russian club to the NBA.
He was selected by the Utah Jazz with the 21st pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. However, Pavel's NBA career did not flourish as expected, and he spent most of his playing time in Europe. Primarily a center, Podkolzin possessed excellent size and strength, enabling him to compete against taller opponents in the paint.
Despite his limited NBA success, he showcased his skills while playing for Russian and European clubs. After his professional basketball career, Podkolzin shifted his focus to coaching and mentoring young players, contributing to the development of basketball talent in Russia.
9. Sim Bhullar - 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Sim Bhullar, born on December 2, 1992, in Toronto, Canada, is a Canadian basketball player of Indian descent. Standing tall at 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 meters), Bhullar gained attention for his exceptional height and size. He played college basketball for the New Mexico State Aggies before declaring for the 2014 NBA Draft.
Although undrafted, Sim Bhullar signed a 10-day contract with the Sacramento Kings in 2015, becoming the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA. During his brief NBA stint, he demonstrated his shot-blocking abilities and showcased his potential.
Afterward, Bhullar continued his professional career in various basketball leagues, including the NBA G League and international competitions. Off the court, Sim Bhullar has become a role model for aspiring basketball players of Indian heritage, inspiring and encouraging them to pursue their dreams in the sport.
10. Mark Eaton - 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
Mark Eaton, standing at 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters), is a retired American basketball player. Born on January 24, 1957, in Westminster, California, Eaton played the center position for the Utah Jazz in the NBA. He had a successful career spanning from 1982 to 1993, where he made a name for himself as a dominant defensive force.
Eaton was a formidable shot-blocker and rebounder, utilizing his height and wingspan to disrupt opponents' offensive plays. His defensive prowess earned him numerous accolades, including two NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards. Eaton's impact on the court contributed significantly to the success of the Utah Jazz during the 1980s and early 1990s.
Who is the Tallest Player in NBA History?
Gheorghe Muresan holds the undeniable distinction of being the tallest man in NBA history, as there is hardly any dispute regarding his height. He played for the Nets and Wizards primarily during the 1990s, marking the majority of his NBA career.
Despite his towering stature, Muresan faced numerous obstacles that prevented him from achieving his full potential in the NBA. Various injuries hampered his progress, ultimately preventing him from leaving a lasting legacy in the league's history books. Nonetheless, while he may not have been considered an exceptional player, Muresan's imposing presence on the basketball court will always be remembered.
Tallest Players in NBA
The NBA has witnessed the presence of towering players who have made a significant impact on the game. These players, known for their exceptional height, have displayed remarkable skills and versatility on the court. From dominant centers to agile forwards, they bring a unique dynamic to the game with their shot-blocking, rebounding, and defensive abilities.
The top 10 tallest NBA players in history include Gheorghe Mureșan, Manute Bol, Tacko Fall, Slavko Vraneš, Shawn Bradley, Yao Ming, Chuck Nevitt, Pavel Podkolzin, Sim Bhullar, and Mark Eaton. Each of these players possesses an imposing height, standing between 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 meters) and 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters).
These basketball behemoths have left a lasting impact on the sport, both in terms of their on-court performance and their off-court contributions. They have become iconic figures in the history of the NBA, leaving their names in the record books and captivating fans worldwide with their extraordinary physical presence and skills.
Despite facing various challenges and injuries, these players have showcased their abilities and made a significant impact on their respective teams. Whether it's dominating the paint, altering shots, or providing a defensive presence, their towering height has made them formidable forces on the court.
Beyond their basketball careers, some of these players have also contributed to humanitarian causes and become role models for aspiring athletes. They have left a legacy as exceptional individuals who transcended the game and made a positive impact on society.
In exploring the careers and legacies of the tallest NBA players, we gain a deeper appreciation for their remarkable achievements and the indelible mark they have left on the sport we love.
Tallest NBA Player - FAQs
The tallest NBA player in history is Gheorghe Mureșan, standing at 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters).
Manute Bol had the longest wingspan among NBA players, measuring 8 feet 6 inches (2.59 meters).
Yao Ming played for the Houston Rockets throughout his entire NBA career.
Sim Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA.
Mark Eaton was known for his exceptional shot-blocking ability during his NBA career.