Basketball is often considered a game where height is a significant advantage, and throughout NBA history, some of the tallest players to ever step onto the court have captured the imagination of fans worldwide. Towering over their opponents, these athletes used their incredible height to dominate in different ways—whether it was blocking shots, securing rebounds, or simply altering the game with their sheer presence. In this article, Win Tips Bet will explore who is the tallest NBA player ever below.
Who is the tallest NBA player ever?
Find out below a list of the top 9 all-time tallest NBA players:
1. Gheorghe Mureșan- The tallest player in NBA history
At 7 feet 7 inches (2.31 meters), Gheorghe Mureșan shares the title of the tallest NBA player ever with Manute Bol. Born in Romania, Mureșan played in the NBA from 1993 to 2000, spending time with the Washington Bullets and New Jersey Nets. Despite his towering presence, he was surprisingly agile for his size, which helped him become a solid contributor during his time in the league.
Mureșan had his best season in 1995-96 when he won the NBA Most Improved Player Award. That year, he averaged 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, proving that he was more than just a novelty due to his height. Unfortunately, injuries cut his career short, as his massive frame put too much strain on his body.
Despite his brief career, Mureșan remained a beloved figure in basketball. His unique appearance and friendly personality made him a fan favorite, and he later found success in entertainment, even appearing in movies and commercials.
2. Manute Bol
Alongside Mureșan, Manute Bol also stood at 7 feet 7 inches, making him one of the two tallest players in NBA history. However, Bol was known more for his defensive prowess than his offensive skills. Playing for teams such as the Washington Bullets, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat between 1985 and 1994, Bol became one of the greatest shot-blockers the game has ever seen.
Bol had an incredible 8-foot-6-inch wingspan, which allowed him to block shots effortlessly. He still holds the record for the highest career blocks per game average (3.3 BPG) and remains one of the few players in NBA history with more blocked shots than points scored.
Although he was not a dominant scorer, Bol occasionally surprised fans by hitting three-pointers, an unusual skill for a player of his height. Off the court, he was also known for his humanitarian work, using much of his NBA earnings to help his home country, Sudan. His legacy extends far beyond basketball, as he is remembered as both a shot-blocking legend and a remarkable philanthropist.
3. Tacko Fall
More recently, Tacko Fall entered the NBA as one of the tallest players ever at 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters). Playing for the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers from 2019 to 2022, Fall quickly became a fan favorite due to his incredible size and humble personality.
Unlike some of his predecessors, Fall struggled to find consistent playing time in the NBA due to his lack of speed and offensive skills. However, his height alone made him an intimidating presence in limited minutes, particularly on defense. Though his NBA career was short, Fall continued playing professional basketball overseas, showcasing his talents in other leagues.
4. Yao Ming
Among the tallest players in NBA history, Yao Ming is undoubtedly the most successful. Standing at 7 feet 6 inches, the Chinese superstar played for the Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011 and became an 8-time NBA All-Star. Unlike many of the other tallest players, Yao was an elite scorer, rebounder, and passer, making him a well-rounded and dominant force in the league.
Yao’s combination of height, skill, and basketball IQ helped him become a global icon. His rivalry with Shaquille O’Neal, his graceful footwork, and his ability to hit mid-range jumpers made him one of the most unique centers in NBA history. Unfortunately, like many extremely tall players, injuries plagued his career. Foot and ankle problems forced him to retire early, but his impact on the game remains undeniable.
His influence extended beyond the court, as he played a key role in popularizing basketball in China. His success helped expand the NBA’s reach, making the sport even more global. Today, he is a Hall of Famer and continues to be involved in basketball as an ambassador for the game.
5. Shawn Bradley
Standing at 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 meters), Shawn Bradley was one of the tallest players to ever step onto an NBA court. Born in West Germany and raised in the United States, Bradley was selected second overall in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. His towering presence made him an elite shot-blocker, and he quickly gained a reputation as a defensive specialist.
Bradley’s career spanned over 12 seasons, with stints on the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, and Dallas Mavericks. He was never a dominant offensive force, but his ability to alter shots and protect the rim made him a valuable asset. At his peak, he averaged 3.4 blocks per game, showcasing his defensive impact.
6. Sim Bhullar
While Sim Bhullar may not have had a long NBA career, his presence in the league was historic. At 7 feet 5 inches (2.26 meters), Bhullar became the first player of Indian descent to play in the NBA when he signed with the Sacramento Kings in 2015.
Bhullar’s massive frame made him a dominant force in college basketball at New Mexico State, but his lack of speed and conditioning limited his impact at the professional level. He played only three games for the Kings before continuing his career in international leagues and the NBA G League.
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Despite his brief time in the NBA, Bhullar played a significant role in promoting basketball in India. His presence helped inspire a new generation of players from South Asia, demonstrating that size alone is not enough—hard work and skill development are just as important.
7. Slavko Vranes
Slavko Vranes, a 7-foot-5-inch center from Montenegro, had one of the shortest careers among the NBA’s tallest players. He was signed by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2004, but his time in the league lasted just three minutes in a single game.
Despite his limited NBA experience, Vranes enjoyed a long professional career in European leagues, where his size was better suited to the slower pace of play. His journey is a reminder that while height can open doors, success at the highest level requires much more than just physical stature.
8. Pavel Podkolzin
Another towering figure who struggled to make a lasting impact in the NBA was Pavel Podkolzin. Standing at 7 feet 5 inches, the Russian center was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2004 and played only a handful of games in the league.
Podkolzin was known for his incredible size and strength, but his lack of mobility and conditioning issues prevented him from becoming a regular contributor. He spent most of his time in the NBA on the Mavericks’ developmental team before eventually returning to play professionally in Russia.
His story is another example of how being tall is not enough to guarantee a successful NBA career. Developing skills, improving fitness, and adapting to the modern game are just as crucial as natural height.
9. Chuck Nevitt
While many of the tallest players in NBA history had short-lived careers, Chuck Nevitt managed to stay in the league for over a decade. At 7 feet 5 inches, Nevitt played for multiple teams, including the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, and San Antonio Spurs from 1983 to 1994.
Despite his long tenure in the NBA, Nevitt was never a star player. He primarily served as a reserve center, rarely playing significant minutes. However, his presence on championship-caliber teams like the 1985 Lakers allowed him to experience the highest levels of competition.
Nevitt’s career is a testament to the importance of having the right mindset and work ethic. While he was never a dominant force on the court, he found ways to contribute and remain in the league longer than many players with similar physical attributes.
In conclusion
The tallest player in NBA history has left an undeniable mark on the game. While being tall provides an advantage, the most successful big men also possess skill, agility, and basketball IQ. As the game continues to evolve, future giants will need to be more versatile than ever to make an impact.
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