The NBA, renowned for its diverse player profiles, particularly highlights the tallest players in league history. These players, from Wilt Chamberlain‘s era with the Philadelphia 76ers to Ralph Sampson‘s time with the Houston Rockets, demonstrate the advantage of height in basketball. It’s not just about shooting over opponents or securing rebounds; it’s about the presence these players bring to the court.
This article focuses on the NBA’s biggest players, like Shawn Bradley with the Dallas Mavericks and the New Jersey Nets, and their impact on the game. Their careers, influenced by their physical attributes, have shaped team strategies and contributed to winning an NBA championship.
We explore how teams like the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers have utilized height to their advantage, creating a legacy in the NBA.
Tallest NBA Players Ever
In NBA history, towering players have often had a significant impact on the game. This section highlights five of the tallest NBA players, focusing on how their height influenced their play.
Manute Bol – The Tallest NBA Player Ever
Manute Bol, at 7’7” (2.31m), is a standout for his defensive skills. His towering stature allowed him to dominate on defense, particularly in blocking shots.
Bol’s average of 2.6 blocks per game during his decade-long career places him among the all-time block leaders. As the tallest player in NBA history, he played for teams like the Washington Bullets (now Wizards), Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat, using his height to create mismatches and alter the game’s dynamics.
Gheorghe Muresan
Gheorghe Muresan, another towering figure in NBA history, stands at 7’7” (2.31m). Recognized as one of the tallest NBA players ever, his height was a significant advantage on the court.
Muresan started his NBA journey with the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) in 1993, quickly making his mark. In his seven years with the team, he averaged 11.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
His performance peaked in 1996 when he was named an All-Star. Muresan also set a record for the most blocks by a center in a single season, with 243 blocks during the 1995-1996 season.
Tacko Fall – The Third Tallest Player
Tacko Fall, standing at an impressive 7’6″ (2.28m), went undrafted in 2019 but soon joined the Boston Celtics, splitting his time with the Maine Red Claws.
In 2021, he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers and their G League team, the Cleveland Charge.
By 2022, Fall moved to the Chinese Basketball Association with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers.
In 2023, he was part of the Milwaukee Bucks summer league roster before joining the Nanjing Monkey Kings. Fall’s towering height and career moves highlight the diverse opportunities in professional basketball.
Slavko Vraneš
Slavko Vraneš, towering at 7’6” (2.28m), is notable for his exceptional height in basketball. He started his professional journey with KK Split, then moved to Cibona Zagreb, becoming a standout player despite a brief three-year stint.
Vraneš later joined the NBA, specifically the Dallas Mavericks. His role there was primarily as a backup center, but injuries restricted his ability to achieve greater success. His career trajectory illustrates the challenges and opportunities for tall players in the NBA.
Shawn Bradley
Shawn Bradley, another towering figure in the NBA at 7’6” (2.28m), is well-known among the league’s tallest players. Over his 12-year career, Bradley averaged 8 points and 6 rebounds per game.
He played for several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns.
While Bradley didn’t fully meet the high expectations set due to his height, he still forged a respectable career. He was a valuable role player, offering crucial size off the bench for the teams he played with during his time in the NBA. His journey underscores the unique challenges and contributions of tall players in professional basketball.
Tallest Players In The NBA Right Now
Victor Wembanyama – Young Star Of The San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama, standing at 7’4” (2.23m), is one of the tallest players in NBA, playing for the San Antonio Spurs.
Before joining the NBA, he started his professional career with Nanterre 92 in the LNB Pro A in 2019. He then played for ASVEL, leading them to a Pro-A title.
In the 2022-2023 season with Metropolitans 92, Wembanyama earned accolades as the youngest Pro A MVP, and Pro A Best Defender, and led in scoring, rebounds, and blocks. He was a 2-time LNB All-Star and thrice named Pro A Best Young Player. His early career highlights his exceptional talent and the significant impact of his height in basketball.
In his NBA debut with the San Antonio Spurs, Wembanyama scored 15 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and made 2 assists in a game against the Dallas Mavericks. He set a Spurs’ single-game team record for a rookie in his debut with three three-pointers made. His performance in the NBA has been remarkable, showcasing his unique skills and the impact of his height on the game.
Boban Marjanović
Boban Marjanović, a Serbian professional basketball player, is currently one of the tallest in the NBA at 7’4” (2.23m), playing for the Houston Rockets.
Before his NBA career, Marjanović played for several European teams, including Hemofarm, CSKA Moscow, and Crvena Zvezda. He achieved significant success in Europe, earning accolades like the All-EuroLeague First Team in 2015 and multiple MVP awards in the Serbian League.
Marjanović joined the NBA as a 27-year-old rookie in 2015 with the San Antonio Spurs. He has since played for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks.
Known for his size and skill, Marjanović has been a valuable player in the NBA, contributing significantly to the teams he has played for.
Bol Bol – The Legacy Of His Father
Bol Bol, a South Sudanese-American professional basketball player, currently plays for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. Standing at 7’3” (2.21m), he is almost the league’s tallest player.
Bol played college basketball for the Oregon Ducks and was recognized as a top prospect. He was drafted 44th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2019 NBA draft but was traded to the Denver Nuggets on draft night. Bol Bol also played for the Orlando Magic before joining the Suns.
His career in the NBA has been marked by his unique combination of height and skill, making him a notable player on the court. Bol Bol’s journey in professional basketball continues to evolve, showcasing the impact of his towering presence in the game.
Tallest Player On Every NBA Team
- Atlanta Hawks: Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu, and Mouhamed Gueye – 6’10” (2.08m)
- Boston Celtics: Kristaps Porzingis – 7’2” (2.18m)
- Brooklyn Nets: Nic Claxton – 6’11” (2.1m)
- Charlotte Hornets: Nick Richards and Mark Williams – 7’ (2.13m)
- Chicago Bulls: Andre Drummond – 6’11” (2.1m)
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley – 6’11” (2.1m)
- Dallas Mavericks: Dereck Lively II – 7’1” (2.16m)
- Denver Nuggets: Jay Huff – 7’1” (2.16m)
- Detroit Pistons: James Wiseman – 6’11” (2.1m)
- Golden State Warriors: Dario Saric – 6’10” (2.08m)
- Houston Rockets: Boban Marjanovic – 7’4” (2.23m)
- Indiana Pacers: Myles Turner – 6’11” (2.1m)
- Los Angeles Clippers: Ivica Zubac – 7’ (2.13m)
- Los Angeles Lakers: Jaxson Hayes – 7’ (2.13m)
- Memphis Grizzlies: Santi Aldama – 7’ (2.13m)
- Miami Heat: Thomas Bryant, Nikova Jovic, and Orlando Robinson – 6’10” (2.08m)
- Milwaukee Bucks: Brook Lopez and Robin Lopez – 7’1” (2.16m)
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Gobert – 7’1” (2.16m)
- New Orleans Pelicans: Jonas Valanciunas and Cody Zeller – 6’11” (2.1m)
- New York Knicks: Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein – 7’ (2.13m)
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren – 7’1” (2.16m)
- Orlando Magic: Moe Wagner – 6’11” (2.1m)
- Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid and Mo Bamba – 7’ (2.13m)
- Phoenix Suns: Bol Bol – 7’3” (2.21m)
- Portland Trail Blazers: Moses Brown – 7’2” (2.18m)
- Sacramento Kings: Alex Len and JaVale McGee – 7’ (2.13m)
- San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama – 7’4” (2.23m)
- Toronto Raptors: Jakob Poeltl and Christian Koloko – 7’ (2.13m)
- Utah Jazz: Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler – 7’ (2.13m)
- Washington Wizards: Daniel Gafford, Danilo Gallinari, and Mike Muscala – 6’10” (2.08m)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 7-foot players are in the NBA?
Currently, 29 players in the NBA stand at 7 feet tall. This includes prominent players like Boban Marjanovic of the Houston Rockets and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, both of whom are among the tallest in the league at 7-foot-4. The presence of these 7-footers highlights the significant role that height continues to play in professional basketball.
Who is the tallest NBA player?
The tallest NBA players currently are Boban Marjanovic of the Houston Rockets and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, both standing at 7-foot-4. They share the distinction of being the tallest active players in the league. Historically, the tallest players ever in the NBA were Gheorghe Muresan and Manute Bol, both measuring 7-foot-7.
