This look at the heaviest NBA players ever is truly fascinating.
Oliver Miller tops this list, weighing over 375 pounds at his heaviest. His size made a big difference in the game, showing how important a player’s weight can be in basketball.
The journey through this list isn’t just about their weight. It’s also about their amazing dunks, strong defense, and how they’ve made their mark in NBA history.
These players have stories that go beyond the basketball court.
Get ready to learn about these huge basketball players, like Oliver Miller, and how they changed the game. It’s a story full of interesting facts and moments from the world of basketball.
Oliver Miller – the Heaviest Player in NBA History
Oliver Miller was a standout figure in the NBA, towering at 6’9″ (2.05m) and weighing a hefty 375 pounds (170kg).
His professional journey began in 1992 with the Phoenix Suns.
Over an 8-year career, Miller played in 493 games, demonstrating that size wasn’t a barrier to success. He averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, impressive stats for one of the league’s heaviest players.
Notably, his performance earned him spots on 2 All-Star teams, further proving that his size was no obstacle to achieving excellence on the basketball court.
Most Dominant Player in NBA History
Shaquille O’Neal, a basketball legend, stood 7 feet (2.13m) tall and weighed in at 360 pounds (163kg).
Drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992, Shaq was a formidable presence on the court. His combination of size and speed made him nearly impossible for defenders to handle, contributing to his career averages of 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. His impressive performance led his NBA teams to 4 NBA Championships, and he was named MVP in the 1999-2000 season.
Shaq’s weight played a significant role in his career. While with the Lakers, he recognized its impact and slimmed down to 341 pounds (155kg), enhancing his dominance and aiding in three consecutive championship wins with the team.
However, after moving to the Miami Heat, an Achilles tendon injury hampered his performance and ultimately shortened his career. Shaq went on to play for the Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics before retiring in 2011.
Despite this setback, his legacy was solidified in 2016 with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, forever marking him as one of the most iconic figures in basketball history.
Eddy Curry
Eddy Curry, drafted 4th overall by the Chicago Bulls, was a promising 7-foot-tall (2.13m) center weighing 295 pounds (133kg).
Over time, his weight increased to 350 pounds (159kg), affecting his defensive play and reducing his court time.
Despite these challenges, Curry had a successful fourth season with the Bulls, averaging 16 points per game and leading the league in field goal percentage in 2002-03.
His best season came with the New York Knicks, scoring 19.5 points and 7 rebounds per game.
However, obesity and injuries hindered his career, leading to a decline in performance and his eventual retirement in 2013.
Sim Bhullar – The First NBA Player from India
Sim Bhullar, at 350 pounds (159kg) and 7-foot-5 (2.26m), made history as the first NBA player of Indian descent with the Sacramento Kings and as one of the tallest NBA player ever.
His size, however, hindered his performance in the fast-paced NBA, leading to his release.
Bhullar found success in the G-League with the Reno Bighorns, averaging 10.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Despite this, he couldn’t secure another NBA contract, leaving his brief but historic NBA career as a unique story in the league.
Michael Sweetney
Michael Sweetney, weighing 348 pounds (158kg)and standing 6-foot-8 (2.08m), was a notable figure in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Selected 9th overall by the New York Knicks, he was expected to dominate in the paint and aid their championship aspirations.
However, his weight became a significant obstacle, affecting his speed and positioning on the court. In his four seasons with the Knicks, Sweetney averaged 7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
He was later traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2007 and waived after 233 games.
Despite these challenges, Sweetney is remembered as one of the heaviest players in professional basketball. His ability to perform in the paint, even with his excessive weight, marks him as one of the seven heaviest players in NBA history, leaving a unique legacy in the sport.
Thomas Hamilton
Thomas Hamilton, at 7-foot-2 (2.18m) and 330 pounds (150kg), was a standout in the 1995 NBA Draft, selected 36th overall by the Boston Celtics. As one of the heaviest NBA players in history, he brought immense size to the court.
The Celtics saw potential in Hamilton’s physicality, but his size turned out to be more of a challenge than an advantage. In his two seasons with the team, he averaged 2.6 points and 2 rebounds per game across 33 games before being traded in 1997.
Hamilton later found success playing for Bulgaria’s National Basketball Team from 2002 to 2004, until an Achilles tendon injury led to his retirement.
Despite his brief NBA career, Hamilton is remembered as one of the heaviest NBA player, leaving a lasting impression in professional basketball circles worldwide.
Didn’t Find Success Amongst the NBA Teams But Dominated Overseas
Priest Lauderdale, at 7-foot-2 (2.18m) and 325 pounds (147kg), faced high expectations when drafted by the Miami Heat in 1998.
His weight, however, limited his NBA success, leading to just 35 games with the Atlanta Hawks and a brief tenure with Denver. Lauderdale later found success overseas, playing for Bulgaria’s National Basketball Team until 2005. Despite his struggles in the NBA, Lauderdale remains one of basketball’s heaviest players, with a career spanning both the NBA and international leagues.
Kevin Duckworth
Kevin Duckworth, at 7-foot-2 (2.18m) and 320 pounds (145kg), was drafted 8th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 1986.
He shined in the NBA, especially with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he averaged 18.1 points and 8.0 rebounds per game in his fifth year, earning the 1991 NBA’s Most Improved Player award.
Despite struggling with his weight, Duckworth retired in 1998 after 12 seasons, leaving a legacy with averages of 11.8 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.
Robert “Tractor” Traylor
Robert “Tractor” Traylor, weighing 319 pounds (145kg), was drafted 6th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1998 and instantly became one of the heaviest NBA players.
Known as one of the heaviest NBA players in history, he was nicknamed “Baby Shaq” for his size and strength.
However, Traylor’s NBA career didn’t live up to expectations despite being teammates with LeBron James.
Over seven seasons, he averaged only 8.8 minutes, 5.4 points, and 3.4 rebounds per game. His struggle with weight gain and physical issues led to his early retirement in 2005, marking a premature end to a career that had begun with great promise.
Garth Joseph
Garth Joseph, at 7-foot-2 (2.18m) and 315 pounds (143kg), was a notable figure in the NBA and the only player from Dominica to reach the league.
Drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2000, his size and agility on the court showed potential.
However, his weight limited his performance, and in 64 NBA games, he averaged 2.6 points per game. Joseph then played overseas in countries like Greece, China, Iran, and France, and for the Dominican National Team.
Despite his size, he excelled in the Chinese Basketball Association, averaging 11.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level.
Final Words
The careers of these heavyweight NBA players highlight a key lesson: excessive weight can be a significant obstacle to a long and successful stint in the league.
Maintaining a balance between size and overall fitness is essential for enduring success in professional basketball.
