Have you ever wondered who the tallest NBA player of all time is? In a sport where size and height are often major advantages, it’s no surprise that the NBA has seen its fair share of towering players. While some may think of players like Shaquille O’Neal as the tallest to ever play in the league, the truth is that there are players who stand even taller.
Throughout the history of the NBA, there have been players who stand head and shoulders above the rest. These towering athletes have left a lasting impression on the league, both for their incredible size and their impressive skills on the court. From towering centers to towering forwards, the NBA has seen it all. So, who are the tallest players to ever grace the hardwood? Let’s take a look.
Head Above the Rim: A Look at the Tallest NBA Players
Every player on our list has caught the eyes of all at least once in their lifetime for obsessive height. Here is the tallest NBA players list stepping on the NBA court:
10. Ralph Sampson
Height: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
Weight: 228 lbs (103 kg)
Career Span: 1983-1992
Career Stats: 15.4 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.4 APG
Ralph Sampson was a dominant center who played for the Houston Rockets and the Golden State Warriors during his career. He was the first overall pick in the 1983 NBA Draft and quickly established himself as one of the league’s top players. Sampson was a great scorer and rebounder, and was also a solid passer and shot blocker. He was a four-time All-Star and won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 1984.
9. Slavko Vranes
Height: 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
Career Span: 2003-2004
Career Stats: 0.3 PPG, 0.3 RPG, 0.0 APG
Slavko Vranes was a Serbian center who played one season for the New York Knicks. He was selected 39th overall in the 2003 NBA Draft but only played in four games for the Knicks. Vranes lacked the skills and mobility to keep up with the NBA’s fast-paced game and returned to Europe after his brief stint in the league.
8. Mark Eaton
Height: 7 ft 4 in (2.24 m)
Weight: 290 lbs (132 kg)
Career Span: 1982-1993
Career Stats: 6.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 3.5 BPG
Mark Eaton was one of the greatest defensive centers in NBA history. He played his entire career for the Utah Jazz, where he was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Defensive First Team selection. Eaton was an imposing presence in the paint, using his size and wingspan to block shots and alter opposing players’ shots. He retired as the NBA’s all-time leader in blocks per game.
7. Tacko Fall
Height: 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Weight: 311 lbs (141 kg)
Career Span: 2019-Present
Career Stats: 2.6 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 0.3 BPG (as of 2021-09)
Tacko Fall is a Senegalese center who last played for the Cleveland Cavs. He joined the team as an undrafted rookie in 2019 and quickly became a fan favorite due to his towering height and humble personality. Fall’s size and wingspan make him a force to be reckoned with in the paint, and he has shown flashes of potential as a shot blocker and rebounder. Despite his size, Fall is surprisingly agile and has a soft touch around the rim. While he is still a work in progress as a player, his potential and likability have made him one of the most intriguing players in the league.
6. Pavel Podkolzin
Height: 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Weight: 260 lbs (118 kg)
Career Span: 2004-2006
Career Stats: 1.3 PPG, 0.9 RPG, 0.1 APG
Pavel Podkolzin was a Russian center who played for the Dallas Mavericks during his brief NBA career. He was selected 21st overall in the 2004 NBA Draft, but struggled to make an impact in the league. Despite his size, Podkolzin lacked the agility and coordination to keep up with the speed of the game. He returned to Russia after two seasons in the NBA.
5. Chuck Nevitt
Height: 7 ft 5 in (2.26 m)
Weight: 217 lbs (98 kg)
Career Span: 1982-1994
Career Stats: 1.6 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 0.2 APG
Chuck Nevitt played for eight different teams during his NBA career, but was mostly a benchwarmer. He was known for his incredible height and limited skills on the court. Despite his lack of playing time, Nevitt was a popular figure among fans and was always willing to give his best effort when called upon.
4. Shawn Bradley
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Height: 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Weight: 275 lbs (125 kg)
Career Span: 1993-2005
Career Stats: 8.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.5 BPG
Shawn Bradley was a skilled center who played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks during his career. He was an excellent shot blocker, leading the league in blocks per game twice. Bradley was also a solid rebounder and decent scorer, with a career high of 13.2 points per game in the 1997-1998 season.
3. Yao Ming
Height: 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Weight: 310 lbs (141 kg)
Career Span: 2002-2011
Career Stats: 19.0 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 1.6 APG
Yao Ming was one of the most dominant big men of his era. He was selected first overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2002 NBA Draft and quickly became a star. Yao was a great scorer and rebounder, and was also an excellent passer and defender. He was selected to eight All-Star Games during his career and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
2. Manute Bol
Height: 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m)
Weight: 200 lbs (91 kg)
Career Span: 1985-1995
Career Stats: 2.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 0.3 APG
Manute Bol was also 7 feet 7 inches tall and was known for his incredible wingspan, measuring at 8 feet 6 inches. He was an excellent shot blocker, averaging 3.3 blocks per game over his career. Bol played for five different teams during his career and was a beloved figure among fans and teammates.
1. Gheorghe Muresan
Height: 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m)
Weight: 303 lbs (137 kg)
Career Span: 1993-2000
Career Stats: 9.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 0.7 APG
Gheorghe Muresan is the tallest player in NBA history. He was born in Romania and played for two teams during his NBA career, the Washington Bullets and the New Jersey Nets. Despite his towering size, he was a skilled player with a solid post game and good hands. He won the NBA Most Improved Player Award in 1996.
The Incredible Career of Shaquille O’Neal: A Tale of Height, Strength, and Athleticism
Shaquille O’Neal, also known as “Shaq,” is one of the most dominant and recognizable players in NBA history. He stands at 7’1″ tall, which is certainly tall, but not among the absolute tallest NBA players of all time. However, Shaquille O’Neal combination of height, strength, and athleticism made him a dominant force on the court throughout his career.
Although Shaq is not one of the top ten tallest NBA players of all time, he certainly made his mark on the game. He won four NBA championships, three NBA Finals MVP awards, and was a 15-time NBA All-Star. He is widely regarded as one of the most dominant centers to ever play the game, using his size and strength to overpower opponents in the post.
In addition to his impressive on-court achievements, Shaq has also become a cultural icon in the years since his retirement. He has dabbled in acting, music, and even law enforcement, while also maintaining a high profile as an NBA analyst and commentator. So while Shaquille O’Neal may not be the tallest NBA player of all time, he is certainly one of the most memorable and impactful.
Basketball is a sport that never fails to amaze its fans, and the tall players always add an extra element of excitement to the game. From giants like Gheorghe Muresan and Tacko Fall to legends like Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA has seen some incredible talent over the years. As the game evolves and new players rise to the top, it’s always worth keeping up with the latest news and developments in the world of basketball. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, stay tuned for more exciting action from the world’s top basketball league.
