Tallest NBA Players
The NBA is one of the sports leagues where height can be a clear advantage. Some people estimate that over 1% of all people who are seven feet or taller (2.13 metres) play in the NBA. That’s a pretty remarkable statistic and shows just how important height can be. There have also been plenty of short and agile players in the league, but today, we’re focusing on some of the tallest players that have graced the league.
Table of Contents:
Tallest Players in NBA History
Gheorghe Mureșan - 7'7" (2.31 m)
Gheorghe Mureșan, born in Romania, is tied as the tallest player in NBA history. Known for his towering height and huge frame, Mureșan played six seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Washington Bullets, currently known as the Wizards. He won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 1996 thanks to his effective scoring and rebounding. He’s not an all-time basketball great, but he was a top player in his day before having to retire due to injury. “My legs didn’t get the same power because my back was very damaged. Enough was enough,” said Muresan when talking to the Washington Times.
Mureșan later turned to acting and appeared in movies like My Giant. His gentle personality made him a fan favourite, and his contributions to basketball are well-remembered. Gheorghe’s sons are now young prospects who may have their ambitions on the court although they aren’t quite as tall as their father.
Manute Bol - 7'7" (2.31 m)
Bol is a player who had a long and impressive career within the NBA and even ranked second in history for blocked shots per game and 16th in total blocked shots. Sudanese-born Manute was a shot-blocking legend as well as being a humanitarian off the court. He played in the NBA for a total of 10 seasons, using his incredible height to block attacks. Bol’s defensive skills were great, but he was also known for his three-pointers.
Nowadays, Bol works to support Sudanese refugees and raise awareness of humanitarian issues, making his legacy both athletic and deeply personal.
Shawn Bradley - 7'6" (2.29 m)
The Stormin’ Mormon spent 12 seasons in the NBA, including a spell with the Dallas Mavericks. His height made him a great shot-blocker and defensive presence, though he often faced challenges with agility against quicker players and had some critics. He comes in third place on the list of tallest NBA players ever.
Yao Ming - 7'6" (2.29 m)
Yao Ming comes to mind when a lot of people think of the tallest basketball players. Drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in 2002, Yao quickly established himself as a dominant force in the league and inspired a huge number of fans from his native China.
Despite injuries cutting his career short, Yao's influence extended far beyond the court as a cultural ambassador. He is now a basketball executive in China and even has political aspirations. He’s a huge character as well as a very tall guy!
Tacko Fall - 7'6" (2.29 m)
Tacko Fall’s height and gentle demeanour have made him one of the most beloved players in recent years. Originally from Senegal, Fall played college basketball at UCF before entering the NBA. His limited playing time hasn’t diminished his popularity with fans who love his unique presence and work ethic. He currently plays the game in New Zealand where basketball is growing quickly in popularity.
Chuck Nevitt - 7'5" (2.26 m)
Chuck Nevitt had one of the longest careers for a player of his height, spending over a decade playing in the NBA. Though often a bench player, Nevitt became a valuable asset for teams like the Lakers, Pistons and Rockets due to his defensive capabilities and team-first attitude. Never a big shot, but a top player.
Sim Bhullar - 7'5" (2.26 m)
You might notice that there is a very international feel to this list. Sim Bhullar made history as the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA. Though his time with the Sacramento Kings was brief, he broke down barriers and inspired many aspiring basketball players in South Asia. Bhullar’s size made him a dominant force in leagues outside the NBA, where he used his skills in international competitions.
Pavel Podkolzin - 7'5" (2.26 m)
Russian Pavel Podkolzin was drafted into the NBA in 2004. Though his playing time with the Mavericks was limited, he gained a lot of international attention. Podkolzin spent most of his career overseas despite being a first-round pick, which is something that a lot of these tall players have in common.
Slavko Vraneš - 7'5" (2.26 m)
Slavko Vraneš’ NBA career was short-lived, with a single game played for the Portland Trail Blazers. His height made him a prospect in European leagues, where he carved out a solid basketball career. He even had a brief spell playing in Iran.
Mark Eaton - 7'4" (2.24 m)
Eaton was a legend of the game. Twice voted the NBA Defensive Player of the Year and also a five-time member of the NBA All-Defensive Team, he made a huge impact and is remembered as a top player as well as a one team guy. He spent his entire playing career with the Utah Jazz.
Tallest Players in the Current NBA (2023-24 Season)
During the 2023-24 season, the tallest players currently playing in the NBA included:
Victor Wembanyama - 7'4" (2.24 m)
Rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama is one of the most exciting young prospects in basketball history. Along with his height, he also has stunning athleticism and he attracted comparisons to legends even before he started his NBA career. Drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs, Wembanyama could go on to have an amazing career.
Boban Marjanović - 7'4" (2.24 m)
Boban Marjanović is a fan favourite known for his towering frame and infectious personality that regularly makes him go viral online. Playing for the Houston Rockets, Marjanović uses his size to dominate in the paint, particularly as a rebounder and scorer in limited minutes. His personality has made Boban a star in commercials and social media.
Kristaps Porziņģis - 7'3" (2.21 m)
Now 29, Kristaps Porziņģis has earned the nicknamed “The Unicorn”, as he is known for his ability to shoot from distance and block shots. Porziņģis has become a unique weapon for the Boston Celtics.
Bol Bol - 7'2" (2.18 m)
Does the surname look familiar? That’s because he is the son of Manute Bol and he has brought his father’s legacy into the modern NBA. With his rare combination of height, athleticism and shooting accuracy, Bol has carved out a promising career. Though injuries have slowed his progress, his potential remains high. He’s currently playing for the Phoenix Suns, where he will hope to hit new heights.
Moses Brown - 7'2" (2.18 m)
Moses Brown is an emerging talent known for his energy and presence in the paint. His size makes him a natural shot-blocker and rebounder. He has already played for a number of teams despite being relatively young, so he’ll be hoping to find a home to fulfill his potential.
Luke Kornet - 7'2" (2.18 m)
Luke Kornet has built a reputation as a dependable role player and uses his size alongside a surprisingly soft shooting touch. Kornet’s ability to stretch the floor as a big man adds versatility to his game and there is no doubting his presence. He’s a broad, muscular player, which makes him a valuable asset for the Boston Celtics.
Alex Len - 7'2" (2.18 m)
Alex Len has had a solid NBA career and is known for both his physical play and rebounding ability. The Ukrainian has been a reliable centre for the Sacramento Kings. You may also see him go by the name Oleksii Yuriyovych Len, as Alex is just a nickname.
FAQs
Who is the tallest player currently in the NBA?
The tallest player in the league also happens to be one of the best. Victor Wembanyama, the French superstar, is the tallest player you can currently see playing in the league at 7’ 4”.
Who was the tallest NBA player in history?
Gheorghe Mureșan and Manute Bol share the title of the tallest NBA player in history, both an incredible 2.31 meters tall. Neither are still playing in the league, but both have sons who are intriguing prospects for NBA fans.
How many NBA players are over 7 feet tall?
As of 2024, there are not as many 7-footers as there have been in the past. Currently, there are 28 players who are 7’ 3” (2.21 m) or taller within the league.
Is the NBA getting taller?
The average height of NBA players is currently the lowest it has been throughout the competition's history. However, some extremely tall people are playing, especially in positions where height is important.